Michael Owen is refusing to give up on his international ambitions and believes he can earn an England recall.
Experienced striker still holding out international hope
Michael Owen is refusing to give up on his international ambitions and believes he can earn an England recall.
The Manchester United striker last appeared for his country in March 2008, with Fabio Capello choosing to overlook him on a consistent basis.
The Italian has opted to take the side in a different direction, with Owen finding himself on the outside looking in.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle star has seen his efforts hindered by niggling injuries, but has been in contention for long periods of Capello's reign.
Owen has seen the likes of Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent edge ahead of him in the pecking order, with youth favoured over experience.
The one-time golden boy of English football is not prepared to give up without a fight, though, and hopes a number of impressive showings for United could see him drafted back in from the wilderness.
Hope
In a question and answer session, as part of a Manchester United education initiative, with pupils from Manchester's Mount Carmel RC Primary School, Owen said: "I've got 89 caps so far. I played for England for many years, starting when I was 18.
"I played basically right the way through until about two years ago, which was my last game. So hopefully I will play for them again one day, you never know."
Owen insists his fitness should no longer be a cause for concern, as he feels capable of turning out for club and country on a regular basis.
He said: "I've had my fair share (of injuries) but also had plenty of games. When I look back and see the amount of matches I have played at club level, international level, I do not feel harshly treated by too many injuries.
"I get in about 9am. I do all my preparation work for training for 45 minutes. I see the physio and we make sure everything is in the right place and moving right. Then we start all together at 9.45."
Hero
Of more immediate concern for Owen is forcing his way into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for an away date at boyhood heroes Everton on Saturday - a game which can be seen live on
Sky Sports 2,
HD 2 and in
Sky 3D.
"When I was growing up my sporting hero was always Gary Lineker," he said.
"I supported Everton when I was a little boy.
"Now I am just impressed with anyone who does their sport at a high level. I know how hard it is."
