Freddy Shepherd has ruled out Newcastle rushing Michael Owen back into action to try and help England out of their Euro 2008 qualifying hole.
Owen has not kicked a ball since damaging his knee on international duty against Sweden in the World Cup last summer.
The striker is now well on the road to recovery and has hinted he would like to return to action before the end of the season.
But Magpies chief Glenn Roeder has insisted he will not rush Owen back too quickly from such a serious injury now that the Magpies are out of Europe.
And Toon chairman Shepherd, who was unhappy with England's handling of his player in Germany last year, has reiterated his manager's words.
He told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: " I am an England fan and I want to watch them in the Euro finals in 2008. But let's stop this clamour for Michael Owen returning to play for England before it gets up a full head of steam.
"Michael Owen will return when it is in the best interests of the player and Newcastle United not England.
"The player and Newcastle United come first, but he will not be rushed back just so that he can play for England in the summer.
"And make no mistake about it, if Michael is not fit for Newcastle United this season he will not be fit for England"
FOX Sports - England - Magpies refuse to rush Owen back