MICHAEL Owen believes he is approaching full sharpness despite being overshadowed by two-goal Stewart Downing in the B international against Albania at Turf Moor.

The Newcastle striker tasted international football for the first time since rupturing his anterior ligament in the World Cup clash with Sweden in Germany 11 months ago.

The 27-seven-year-old looked sharp in the 3-1 win despite squandering an early opportunity.

And the ex-Liverpool star believes he is ready to be included in Steve McClaren’s squad for the clashes with Brazil on June 1 and, more importantly, the Euro qualifier with Estonia five days later.

Owen said: “I felt fine. I felt my hold-up play was OK. I had one good chance in the first few minutes and never scored that.

“But chances will come and I will always be in there.

“I’ll always be that type of player. I am an instinct player and your body has then got to follow your instinct.

“I am pleased to get 90 minutes under my belt and feel I am getting sharper.”

Alan Smith scored England’s other goal, with Besart Berisha replying.