Allardyce: Injury concern
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce insists he will ban Michael Owen from playing for England if he is not 100 per cent fit.
Owen has made a speedy recovery from a recent groin and stomach muscle operation and is expected to be named in England manager Steve McClaren’s Euro 2008 qualifying squad on Friday.
England face Estonia and Russia on the 13th and 17th October respectively in crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers and Owen, who could feature in Newcastle’s Premier League meeting with Everton on Sunday, is a key figure.
Owen shot England to victories over Israel and Russia at Wembley last month with three goals over the two matches and McClaren is likely to be keen to have his star striker available.
However, Allardyce – who is equally keen to have Owen firing on all cylinders for Newcastle – is adamant the forward will not play if there is a danger of further injury.
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“I don’t know if Michael will be right,” Allardyce told The Sun.
“I’ll watch him in training on Friday and that will give us a better idea of where he is at.
“If our medical team feel Michael is not ready, England will get a warning from us we don’t want him taking part in the games.
“I know Steve will stay in contact with us about Michael’s fitness but I realise how much he wants him to play.
“But we do not want him playing if he’s not up to it.”
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Source: www.skysports.com
