[Mighty T.A.L.]

Owen to play through pain

Michael Owen admits he is ready to play through the pain barrier over the coming weeks.

The Newcastle striker has returned to action from hernia surgery just over a week after going under the knife.

He came off the bench to score Newcastle's winner in their 3-2 win over Everton, which came after he was included in the England squad for their Euro 2008 double-header with Estonia and Russia.

Owen concedes that he will have to deal with the after-affects of the surgery.

Discomfort

"Everyone knows you can come back from surgery and play. It is just about managing the discomfort," explained the 27-year-old.

"That doesn't stop you from playing. The surgeon said as long as you can manage the pain, you can do what you want because it's not going to get any worse.

"Unbelievably, it feels great because I have been training since Thursday."

Owen does not see any issues with his injury as he prepares to feature for England twice in the next ten days.

"The surgeon tells me nothing can go wrong in terms of the op," he said.

"It is much stronger than when I went in. Believe it or not, that's how it feels.

"Even when I feel a bit tight like I did Wednesday or Thursday last week, you just plough through it and it gets better, if anything.

"I will listen to the surgeon and nobody else. She has performed thousands of operations before and she knows what she is talking about.

"I don't see any risk in me playing. It's not like I am pushing myself to get back and play for England.

"Everyone can see that coming back in eight days to play for my club shows a bit of determination, and I wanted to get out there against Everton.

"I am feeling good for both teams that I represent."

Skysports