Owen: Set to step off the bench

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Joe Kinnear has hinted that he may hand Michael Owen a starting role against Chelsea on Saturday.

The England international has been forced to settle for a place on the bench in each of the Magpies' last three fixtures, but is pushing hard for a recall.

His inability to force his way back into contention had led to suggestions of a bust-up with interim boss Kinnear.

Owen, though, has strenuously denied that is case and, desperate to win back a spot in Fabio Capello's plans, will be delighted to be in his manager's thoughts ahead of a crunch clash with the Premier League leaders this weekend.

Impact

"Michael is almost 100 per cent fit, and his impact (in recent games) has made life very tough for me in terms of the team I select to play against Chelsea," Kinnear told The Northern Echo.

"He answered us in the best possible way with his goal (last weekend against Wigan), and looked sharp when he came on for those 20 minutes.

"Shola Ameobi and Obafemi Martins have done very well for me since I came to the club, but Michael is the best player we have when he's fully fit.

"He is world class and, as far as I'm concerned, it's only a matter of time before he's back in the England squad.

"The only thing keeping him out at the moment is fitness, and I'm sure once he's had a run of games and proven he's sharp and strong, Fabio Capello will recall him."

While Owen is firmly in contention to lead the line against Chelsea, Mark Viduka will not be making a shock return.

Patient

The Australian striker has not featured for the Magpies since facing the Blues in the penultimate game of last season, but has finally resumed training following as summer Achilles operation.

While this weekend comes too soon for the powerful front-man, Kinnear admits he is delighted to have key men closing in on full fitness.

"It's great to have Mark Viduka around the place again," he added.

"He's a top, top player and he's given everyone a lift just by joining in with the sessions again.

"But there is no way he will be involved against Chelsea.

"We've waited so long for him to come back, it would be ludicrous to rush him straight into the side when he isn't match fit. He's not too far away, but we have to be patient.

"It'll be another couple of weeks yet I'd imagine."