Glenn Roeder Refuses To Push Owen...

[Murphy]

Source: IcNewcastle

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is determined to quell the clamour for Michael Owen to be thrust back into Premiership action after insisting caution and common sense remain essential aspects of the £17m striker's rehabilitation.

But although the 27-year-old will not feature at Fratton Park this afternoon, his manager has whetted Gallowgate appetites with his assertion that when Owen does make his comeback in a black-and-white shirt, he will be in the best shape of his life.

Despite his absence, Roeder is confident the England international could still influence proceedings in Portsmouth after outlining the positive impact the fit-again forward has had on team morale following this week's training ground game against Gretna.

But Owen's involvement against Chelsea next weekend is uncertain. Roeder last night admitted he is reluctant to ease the player back from the substitutes' bench and suggested he will not consider his selection until he is fit enough to start his first top-flight fixture since December 2005.