Michael Owen handed Newcastle a huge fillip by making a scoring return in a friendly with Gretna on Tuesday.

Little over a day after Magpies manager Glenn Roeder had poured cold water on talk of Owen featuring in a friendly this week, the forward marked his return from injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Owen had been sidelined since picking up a serious knee injury last summer, but looked sharp in the 4-1 friendly win which also marked the return to action of Shola Ameobi.

The England international played 70 minutes and left Gretna's players in no doubt that he is ready for action.

"He didn't look rusty at all. He looked very sharp," Gretna midfielder Erik Paartalu told The Sun.

Gavin Skelton added: "If that's what he's like after ten months out of the game, I'd hate to play against a fully-fit Michael Owen.

"He looked very sharp throughout and his link-up play was excellent.

"I don't notice him heavy breathing either. Stamina wise, you just would not have thought that this was his comeback."

Owen also set up a goal for Ameobi and The Magpies are sure to monitor the pair over the coming days, as they could soon be pushing for Premiership action.