[Mighty T.A.L.]

Owen clings to England hope

Michael Owen feels it will be a bonus if he is fit to play in England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

The Newcastle United striker has undergone two operations in Germany in recent days to fix a groin problem.

His participation in England's games against Estonia at Wembley on 13th October and in Russia four days later has been placed in doubt by the injury.

But Owen, who scored three goals in two games for his country earlier in September, is clinging to the hope that he can take his place in Steve McClaren's squad.

"These two operations have given me a lot of hope," Owen told the News of the World.

Cautious

"The doctor gave me the go-ahead to start jogging on Monday and told me to see how it goes. It's a question of taking it one step at a time and pushing myself as hard as I can whenever it feels right.

"Effectively the two operations should provide a complete cure without any need for further surgery.

"I do not want to think too far ahead to the day when I make my comeback because my rehabilitation programme has not yet been finalised.

"I don't want to tempt fate, either, by making a premature forecast. Medical advice will decide how quickly I will be back in action. I'd rather remain cautious at this stage than set any unrealistic targets.

Bonus

"But in the back of my mind I had focused on Newcastle's October 22 Premier League game against Tottenham - the first after the international break - for a possible return.

"Anything before that, including England's two Euro qualifiers against Estonia and Russia, would be a bonus.

"I shall cling to the hope that I can play for England, but people must accept that Newcastle have to come first at the moment.

"I know it is going to be the subject of national debate as to whether I will be fit to help England qualify for next year's European Championship finals, but let's adopt a little bit of caution and see how the next 10 days unfold."

Skysports