Owen Challenges Martins For Starting Place At Boro

Last updated : 25 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Michael Owen is in contention for a first start of the season in the Premier League at Middlesbrough on Sunday after shaking off his thigh problem.

The 27-year-old played 57 minutes for England against Germany on Wednesday, and will battle with Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi for a place.

Emre is back in training after a calf problem, but Shay Given (groin), Celestine Babayaro (hamstring), Joey Barton (metatarsal) and Damien Duff (ankle) remain on the sidelines.

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to be involved despite returning to training after knee surgery.

The England international got back to work this week after an operation to repair a damaged cartilage, but the game may come too soon for him.

Fabio Rochemback returns after suspension, but new signing Mido is a doubt with an ankle problem, as are full-backs Andrew Taylor (toe) and Luke Young (thigh), while Emanuel Pogatetz and Matthew Bates (both knee) and Robert Huth (ankle) are all out long-term.
 
MIDDLESBROUGH (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Davies, Taylor, Riggott, Wheater, Hines, Boateng, Arca, Cattermole, Tuncay, Downing, Johnson, Aliadiere, Yakubu, Mido, Lee.

NEWCASTLE (from): Harper, Forster, Carr, N'Zogbia, Rozehnal, Taylor, Ramage, Cacapa, Enrique, Solano, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Emre, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi, Owen.


GROUND
Away supporters are housed in the South Stand at one end of the stadium, which is shared with home supporters (with the obligatory 'no-mans' land in between).

Up to 3,450 fans can be accommodated in this area.

One thing to point out is that there is very little in the way of pubs or eating establishments nearby, and if you head into the town centre it can be a very interesting afternoon.

GETTING THERE
A19 from the north. After crossing the river Tees turn left onto the A66. After a couple of miles turn left at the roundabout down Shepherdson Way and the Riverside is directly in front of you.

PUBS
Nothing at all near the ground apart from the Navigation which is out of bounds to away fans.

The pubs in the town centre can be "iffy", but the Smogs hate the Mackems far more than they hate us, if that is anything to go by.

I wouldn't wear colours if you want to visit a bar, although they usually have us sussed as soon as we walk in .. anywhere!

Doctor Browns (a 10 minute walk from the bottom of Corporation Road) is usually safe enough.

The Tuxedo Royale strip bar - the big white ship that once stood on the Tyne - is great for lads, but there is a charge to get in. However, beer is cheep up until 1.30. Once again, away fans won't be let in if they wear colours.

TRAIN
The ground is walkable from the Middlesbrough train station, but there is usually a welcome party waiting for us.

The station is not mainline and served by trains from Darlington. Come out of the main enterance, turn left onto Zetland Road. Then left again into Albert Road - under the railway bridge - turn right into Bridge Street East. Pass the Bridge pub (don't go in!), right into Wynward Way. The stadium is down that road.