Owen suffered cruciate ligament damage at the World Cup and has visited renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in a bid to come back from the serious injury, however the former Liverpool star is still expected to miss the majority of the current season.

Even though a lengthy period of recuperation is now necessary after the surgery Roeder says Owen is feeling positive about his current situation and that his comeback is going according to plan.

"He is doing really well," Roeder told Sky Sports News. "He is exactly where we think he should be after the operation.

"He is in rehab, we know it is going to be a slow and long process but the main thing is the surgeon is delighted with the way the operation went and so is Michael.

"So Michael can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel even though he is still a fair way away, but he is in good form himself and happy."

Roeder also revealed that The Magpies are looking forward to welcoming Shay Given back to the squad after the goalkeeper was released from hospital following surgery to repair a bowel tear.

"He has travelled home from the hospital on Saturday, had a safe trip back," Roeder added.

"He is now back at home and we are looking forward to seeing him tomorrow when we have our photocall at the ground."

Roeder was speaking at the North East football awards where Magpies midfielder Charles N'Zogbia was nominated for the young player of the year award.

The Newcastle boss had words of praise for his young charge who has impressed during his time at St James' Park after joining from Le Havre in 2004.

"He is a wonderful young talent and I don't think people realise still how young he is.

"I really enjoy working with him and he has a huge future at Newcastle."

The player himself is looking forward to playing a key role for the North East side this season as they aim to end a lengthy spell without a trophy on Tyneside.

The Magpies play Levadia Tallinn on Thursday as they look to book a place in the group stages of the Uefa Cup, and N'Zogbia says Middlesbrough's run to the final of the same competition last year has given their rivals hope.

"For me it is important to play in the Uefa cup because I want to win something for Newcastle and it is a big cup for us," said N'Zogbia.

"We have got more players in the squad and enjoying to play, I want to play as well.

"I was playing last year and I want to prove again, I want to do the best for the team.

"Last year I was watching on TV Middlesbrough in the final and for me you know, if I watch Middlesbrough, for me I could watch Newcastle as well in the final.<P. me.

"For me we can do something this year."