Michael Owen has vowed to return to the peak of his powers following a long-term injury lay-off.

The Newcastle striker is hoping to return to first team action by next April after undergoing cruciate ligament surgery in Colorado last week.

Owen suffered serious injury in England's World Cup clash with Sweden in June, but, despite a desperation to return to action as soon as possible, Owen will not rush his recovery.

The 25-year-old has been ordered to rest for two weeks, before flying back to the United States in order to step-up his rehabilitation.

"I want to be back to what I've been for the last 10 years," said Owen.

"Twenty years ago if you had this injury you were finished, but now it's a 99 percent success rate.

"I don't think anyone's ever got back by six months. I think the average is six to seven.

"Obviously I want this right for the rest of my career and that is the most important thing."

Meanwhile, Owen's Magpies team-mate Shay Given has offered a damning indictment of his side's defensive performance against Fulham on Saturday.

Having seen his side slip to a 2-1 home defeat, the Republic of International claimed his side had even done a disservice to North East pub teams.

"If you looked at the Sunday league football around Newcastle, you wouldn't even see the kind of goals we gave away against Fulham," said Given.

"I don't want to dig things out or blame individuals, but we've given one of the best players in The Premiership in terms of heading the ball, Brian McBride, total freedom of the six-yard box.

"It's amazing - but we have to talk about it privately and get it sorted out within the camp."