MICHAEL OWEN is ready to destroy ChelseaÂ’s title dream after making a stunning return to action. The Newcastle ace, out with a knee injury since last summerÂ’s World Cup, took just 10 minutes to score his first goal in 311 days in a friendly with Gretna yesterday.England ace Owen, 27, is now eyeing a starting slot for the Chelsea clash on April 22. He is also set for a place on the bench for SaturdayÂ’s trip to Portsmouth.
The £16million hitman played 70 minutes against Scottish side Gretna. He also helped team-mate Shola Ameobi score on his comeback in a 4-1 win behind closed doors at Toon’s training ground.
Gretna midfielder Erik Paartalu was blown away by Owen’s display. He said: “He didn’t look rusty at all. He looked very sharp.” Owen had not scored since England’s friendly with Jamaica last June — and his return can only be good news for under-fire national boss Steve McClaren.
The Three Lions play Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifier on June 6 — giving Owen two months to get fully fit, although Toon boss Glenn Roeder is keen to wrap him in cotton wool. While McClaren will be buzzing at the prospect of getting Owen back into the fold, it will create a headache for Geordies chairman Freddy Shepherd.