Owen To Fight For Place?

Last updated : 09 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
I can confirm that the Toon boss has been a little bit "miffed" at Owen this pre-season for a number of reasons.

Not least the speculation all summer that Owen could be on his way out of the St James' Park exit door, and the player's "excuse" for taking two months to confirm he was staying.

The manager chose to distance himself when Owen said "I was on England duty and then had two weddings to go to".

That infuriated Big Sam, who had travelled to Turf Moor (where England B played Albania) and then Wembley (where England played Brazil) to get an answer from the ex-Liverpool player. An answer, at that time, he didn't get.

The England man is in direct competition with last season's top goalscorer Obafemi Martins and new signings Mark Viduka and Alan Smith, and Allardyce is prepared to see a few noses put out of joint.


It is expected that the big Australian will lead Newcastle's line, leaving either Owen or Martins to play alongside him.

Allardyce: "Oba was the main man last year because Michael was kept out with injuries, but they will be fighting with each other for a place this season.

"We can also use a bit of squad rotation and have competition for places, which is what you need for your front men.

"Unfortunately for Michael, this thigh injury has taken longer than we thought to get better and missing pre-season is a big blow for him and us."