Owen over mumps

Magpies skipper easing back to full fitness

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 24th July 2008

Owen over mumps

Owen: Pumped up for new season

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Michael Owen's pre-season preparations have been hindered after he contracted mumps.

The Newcastle striker picked up the virus at the end of last season, forcing him to miss England's friendly dates with United States and Trinidad and Tobago in June.

He has now returned to full health and is back in training, but looks set to sit out the Magpies' game at Doncaster this weekend.

"When I pulled out of the England squad for the games against the United States and Trinidad, everyone thought I had a virus," the 28-year-old told the Chronicle.

"But it turned out that I had the mumps, and they would not let me go in case I infected any of the other England players.

Training

"And while I would not say I was in a bad way it wasn't very pleasant at all.

"It did affect me for a while - I was quite ill and I was not allowed to do anything for four weeks.

"When I came back to Newcastle our doctor here worked out a programme for me and it has been a slightly different programme from the rest of the players.

"And instead of going straight into the deep end with the rest of the lads, we have just been making slow progress.

"That's why you did not see me at Hartlepool on Saturday and why I won't be out there at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

"Perhaps I might get to play in one of the games in Majorca next weekend. But I should definitely be OK for our first home friendly with PSV Eindhoven on 6th August."

Professional

Meanwhile, Kevin Keegan has confirmed that Owen will continue to skipper the side next season.

"Yes, Michael's my captain. He has really impressed everybody," said the Magpies boss.

"He leads by example, and that's a good way to lead. He says: 'I'll work hard, so you work hard'.

"He's not scared to give his opinion when he's right, and he's not scared to say what he feels.

"He's a tremendous professional and he trains properly every day."