Owen told op won't end career

Michael Owen has been assured that a recent operation will not threaten his career.

Michael Owen has been assured that recent knee surgery will not threaten the player's long-term career.

Owen revealed the assessment has been made by Dr Richard Steadman - the world-renowned surgeon who carried out an operation on the England international's damaged cruciate ligaments.

Having suffered the injury playing for The Three Lions at this past summer's World Cup, Owen will step-up his rehabilitation in the United States in the coming weeks ahead of a possible return before the end of the season.

And those hopes have been given a fillip by Steadman's favourable prognosis.

"When I came round after my cruciate ligament operation the surgeon was standing by my bedside," said Owen.

"'Whatever makes you retire from football it won't be your knee,' he told me straight away.

"Coming from a man as respected as Dr Richard Steadman that was the perfect way to wake up.

"Perhaps it was walking into his office and seeing all the signed shirts and thank you letters from dozens of grateful sportsmen, including plenty of familiar names, Alan Shearer, Henrik Larsson, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Craig Bellamy."

Steve McClaren has also been in constant contact with the former Real Madrid ace regarding his progress, and Owen thanked the England boss for his consideration.

"Steve McClaren has been supportive, inviting me to drop by the England team hotel before the game against Andorra. It's nice to know that people are willing you to return, although I have been impressed at how the boys have played without myself or Wayne Rooney," added Owen in the Times.

"It will be frustrating watching others rattle in goals for club and country but I am fortunate in that I don`t suffer low periods when I am out with injuries.

"That is part of the mental strength that has served me so well, and which I am certain will see me banging in the goals in 2007."