The England international and his Australian counterpart are both battling to be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham at St James' Park as the Magpies attempt to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at Derby on Monday evening. Michael Owen, 27, limped off shortly after half-time at Pride Park to spark a debate over whether or not he needs hernia surgery, a debate which has major implications for England boss Steve McClaren as well as Sam Allardyce.