Shock Inclusion for Owen

Koen Freriks

21 april 2006, 18:12

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is set to make a shock inclusion in the Magpies squad to face West Brom on Saturday.

The England international has not played since a collision with fellow international team-mate Paul Robinson saw him break a bone in his foot against Tottenham on New Years Eve. The players progress has reportedly gone well recently but he was reportedly over a week away from fitness and a place in the squad. After rumours that Owen's injury was more worrying than Newcastle had let out some said he would have a tight race to be fit for the Wrld Cup Finals in June.

His inclusion this weekend will be a great encouragement to Sven Goran Eriksson although he will not want his key player to be rushed into action too soon. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon that Owen will start the match on the bench for Newcastle. The club were struggling for striker's after Shearer's injury threatens to keep him out for the season but this will be a huge boost for them.