Owen puts club before country

Michael Owen is wary of planning an England return before he has played for Newcastle.

The 27-year-old has been out since the World Cup with a cruciate knee ligament injury, and he could opt to miss the final games of his club's season even if he is fit to return before their campaign finishes. It means he remains a doubt for England's clash in Estonia, their final European qualifier before a summer break.

"Obviously, I've got to play for my club before then, that's a decision for later," said Owen on the possibility of returning to face Estonia. "I haven't thought about what game or anything like that."

Owen was injured in June against Sweden and has visited Dr Richard Steadman for treatment on his knee.

The former Liverpool striker believes it could be more beneficial to continue his rehabilitation rather than play in the final games of the season, particularly if Newcastle have little to play for.

"If I'm fit to play in the last one or two games of the season, it might be wise to continue with my strength programme and maybe play a couple of games behind closed doors," he added.

"I haven't started running yet, that's the next step, and if it goes well then it'll be onwards and upwards.

"No-one has said I can't play this season and it gives me hope and belief. If I don't, it'll be next season."