Newcastle United’s Michael Owen Looks Strong And Fit In Comeback Against Reading –

Newcastle United’s Michael Owen showed signs that he has not lost any of his speed nor the knack of getting into interesting positions in the rival penalty box, in his first start in a competitive match for 10 months, in the Premiership clash at Reading on Monday night.

The 27-year-old England striker, who recovered from a cruciate knee injury sustained at last summer's World Cup, looked strong and could have had an absolutely dream comeback had he connected with his first time volley onto Emre’s cross into the Royals area in the opening stages.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid front-man got the ball into the back of the net with a grounder inside the first 10 minutes after Oba Martins had set him up but the goal did not count as Owen, who was playing for the black and whites after just over one year, was ruled off-side.

With England assistant-manager Terry Venables watching from the stands, The Magpies’ record signing Owen missed another chance later in the first half as he failed to adjust his position to direct his header on the Reading goal.

Three Lions will be happy to see Owen come back as they have a friendly against Brazil at the new Wembley Stadium on June 1 and subsequently the Euro 2008 qualifiers.