McClaren dismisses Owen row talk

England v Estonia
Wembley Stadium
Saturday, 13 October
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Live coverage on BBC One, BBC HD, BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website

England coach Steve McClaren has played down reports of a row with Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce over Michael Owen.

The 27-year-old striker returned for Newcastle last Sunday after surgery and Allardyce is worried about Owen playing in England's Euro 2008 qualifiers.

But McClaren said: "People talk of a conflict between Newcastle, Michael and us - nothing is further from the truth.

"No risk will be taken but Michael is a very important player to us and if Michael is fit, Michael will play."

McClaren said constant liaison with Allardyce and the medical staff over Owen's fitness.

The striker had surgery on his stomach and an abductor muscle nine days ago but came on as a substitute and scored as Newcastle beat Everton 3-2 at the weekend.

McClaren is aware of the importance of Owen for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia on 13 October and in Russia four days later.

Owen scored three goals in wins over Israel and Russia in a double header of qualifiers last time out.

McClaren retained Paul Robinson for those games and, despite concerns over the keeper's form, the England boss will keep faith with the Spurs stopper.

"He has never let us down and Paul Robinson is in," said McClaren.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is back after a thigh injury and made his comeback in his side's win over Bolton.

He is vying to replace Gareth Barry, who was one of England's most impressive performers against Israel and Russia, as Steven Gerrard's partner in central midfield.

England are second in the group and just two points ahead of Russia.

"You want your best players available for big games like this and make no bones about it these are big games," said McClaren.

"We have put ourselves in pole position, it's up to us to make sure we do the business on Saturday, get the three points and then move on.

"He (Lampard) has been a great servant. I think he was our man of the match against Germany (in a friendly) but unfortunately he has not played since then.

"But he comes back in, he's had 90 minutes and he's looking good in training and we'll see how he is."

Source: BBC Sport