NEWCASTLE United boss Glenn Roeder says Michael Owen can now begin "the road back to fitness" after successfully undergoing an operation to repair his cruciate knee ligament.

Owen returned to America, accompanied by club doctor Roddy MacDonald, on Monday to revisit world renowned renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman for the second part of two-stage surgery on the injury sustained on England duty at this summer's World Cup finals.

Owen's first visit to Dr Steadman had been back in July when he had damaged cartilage repaired, and after examining the results of that work Dr Steadman said the recovery had been excellent.

Wednesday saw Dr Steadman carry out the cruciate operation, and both he and club officials are "delighted" with how it went.

Boss Roeder told nufc.co.uk: "I've spoken to our club doctor Roddy MacDonald across in Colorado and he gave me the fantastic news that Michael's operation went extremely well.

"As far as Michael is concerned, he can now start to focus on playing again.

"It's going to be a long haul but he can start to focus on that.

"And I look forward to the day when I can write his name on a Newcastle United teamsheet."

Owen will start his intensive rehabilitation programme first thing in the morning across in the States and will return to Tyneside in due course later next week.

Owen's time at Gallowgate has been dogged by injury, but an impressive record of seven goals in 10 starts underline his importance to the Magpies.