Steve McClaren has urged the need to show patience as Michael Owen prepares to make his return to international football.
Owen will pull on an England shirt for the first time since last summer's World Cup when he starts Friday's B friendly against Albania at Turf Moor.

The Newcastle United striker damaged knee ligaments in a group game against Sweden in Germany and he has only recently returned to club action.

England coach McClaren is delighted to have Owen back in his plans, but is adopting a cautious approach to the impact the nippy hit-man will have against Albania.

"From a personal point of view, it's terrific to have him back in the England squad and we've missed him for the year," said McClaren on Sky Sports News.

"There's been many, many times he has been our saviour and over the year we have missed that, so it's great to have him back on the training field and fit.

"From his point of view it's a massive boost because it was a bad injury, but he has come through it, and shown great character and attitude.

"He looks sharp, he looks fit, he looks strong. Let's not expect too much from him, let's not put too much pressure on him because it was a bad injury.

"He'll need games, he needs training sessions and he's getting them at the moment."

Owen will be partnered in attack against Albania by Alan Smith and McClaren praised the Manchester United striker's recovery from injury.

He added: "Again, it was another horrendous injury and it really shows the character and attitude of these players to come back from bad injuries.

"Alan Smith, especially, that was horrendous. He has got guts, he's got character and he has showed that to be back playing.

"I saw him quite a few times for Manchester United at the end of the season and he impressed me more in his attitude, and he's one of those players who has got the experience.

"He can wear the shirt, it's not too big for him. It's great to have him back and his attitude on the training ground."