[Mighty T.A.L.]

Owen hits back at critics

Michael Owen has hit back at the critics who claim he is more interested in playing for England than Newcastle.

And the striker insists that reports of a rift between himself and Magpies manager Sam Allardyce over his swift return from groin surgery are wide of the mark.

Owen went under the knife for a double stomach operation in Germany, but stunned observers by making a goalscoring return for his club side eight days later.

He then linked up with Steve McClaren's side for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia, but the critics suggested his rapid recovery was more to do with a desire to play for his country than his club.

Misrepresented

Owen told the News of the World: "Suddenly I am being portrayed as a football rebel - someone who wants to take on the world in general and Sam Allardyce in particular. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Over the last few weeks I have been misrepresented in a way that has made me feel very frustrated and, at times, angry."

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker was astonished that what he felt should have been good news - his swift recovery from surgery - became embroiled in a club versus country row.

Wedge

He said: "It soon became a massive negative with accusations that I had rushed back too soon so I could play in the England games against Estonia and Russia.

"The spin was put on it that I was more concerned about playing for my country than my club. As a result of that people have tried to drive a wedge between myself and Sam Allardyce.

"I recognise that my club manager wants me to be fit and available for every game for Newcastle. And, believe it or not, so do I.

"What I must point out, though, is that I am fortunate enough to play for two teams - England and Newcastle.

"And as long as I am fit, I will try my hardest to play well and score goals for both."

Committed

And Owen is determined to win over the St James' Park faithful by scoring the goals to bring some elusive silverware to the Magpies.

He said: "If I can score the goals that will help them win a trophy or two, that will prove how much I am committed to the club.

"I would love to do just that. But at the same time I want to help England to win something as well.

"And I still reckon it is possible to enjoy the best of both of those worlds."

Source: Skysports