Michael Owen has revealed he is
making good progress in his recovery from the knee injury he
suffered at last year's World Cup, and is looking forward to an
imminent return to action.
The Newcastle United striker is back in training and has reportedly
been pencilled in to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against
a Hartlepool XI in a fortnight's time.
He could then return for The Magpies before the end of their
Premiership campaign, and feature for England in the summer.
"I'm doing great. Touchwood, I haven't had any setbacks really,"
Owen said in the newspaper.
"I had a bit of a tight calf three or four weeks ago which meant I
didn't really run for a few days but just swam and went on the bike
a bit more.
"Everything's going really well. I'm doing more or less everything
so I'm looking forward to getting back and playing again."
Owen admits it has been difficult to watch Newcastle's season from
the sidelines, but says his frustration has given way to a sense of
anticipation in recent weeks.
"When the team are struggling you want to get out there to help
them and when they're winning you want to get out and be part of a
winning side," he explained.
"Missing football is frustrating.
"I've had this feeling for a long time now but I'm quite excited at
the minute because it's getting nearer the time of my first game
back."
