Owen's Fitness Vow / Paul Robinson Comments

By Matt Jones
February 27 2006

Newcastle United and England striker Michael Owen insists he will be fighting fit for the World Cup in Germany, but admits that he does not care who scores England's goals in the competition.

Owen has been out of action after breaking a bone in his foot against Tottenham, but said on Monday:

"There's been plenty of broken metatarsal bones in this England squad. Becks had one and Gary Neville as well. I'm the latest victim.

"It's not come at the worst time in the world. I've missed plenty of club games but I hope to be back in a few weeks and it will be all systems go.

"There are plenty of people in the squad who are capable of scoring the goal that wins the World Cup for England.

"I don't give a monkey's who does it as long as someone does. It's going to be a fantastic tournament and I'm looking forward to it."

Newcastle take on Chelsea away in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 22, and Owen isn't ruling out a return - taking on England team-mate John Terry.

Owen added: "If that's the case, I'm sure he'll look after me and won't step on my foot.

"When I was first injured it was said April was the time. The Chelsea game in March is a target I suppose but that is still three weeks away.

"I won't risk it for the sake of it. I'm still setting my sights on returning in April."

Spurs keeper Paul Robinson is relieved to see Owen on the road to recovery, and said: "I was disappointed because it was me who was involved in it.

"He knew straight away it was serious. We collided and he said: 'I think I've broken my foot'.

"Everybody's pleased he's coming back to fitness, nobody more so than me.

"Hopefully he will be playing games soon and that's good news for him, his club and for the country. Hopefully, he will be firing on all cylinders by the summer."

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