Owen makes safe return to action

Striker Michael Owen has handed Newcastle and England a huge boost after coming safely through an hour of a club friendly on Monday night.

Owen, who missed Saturday's win at Bolton because of a thigh problem, managed an hour-long workout.

His return is great news for England coach Steve McClaren, who has seen striker Wayne Rooney ruled out for two months with a broken foot bone.

Owen said: "I was confident I'd be fine and it was good to get back out there."

He tole the Newcastle website: "I feel fine, it was only a small injury, a niggle.

"It had me out for a couple of weeks but I've trained for the last four or five days.

"It's a little frustrating to have missed some of the pre-season games but I've been able to do all the running work."

Owen, 27, could now face Aston Villa at St James' Park on Saturday.

Shola Ameobi scored both goals to help the United second string to a 2-0 win over local side Blue Star in a match that also saw a first appearance in Newcastle colours for Brazilian defender Claudio Cacapa.

Midfielder Kieron Dyer, who recently saw a transfer to West Ham collapse at the 11th hour, also played.

Source: BBC Sport