Soccer: Michael Owen Believes He Can Return for Newcastle This Season

England's forgotten man Michael Owen today insisted he has not ruled out playing again this season.

Newcastle striker Owen ruptured his knee ligaments in England's match against Sweden at the World Cup on June 20 and has not played since. It is the latest in a series of injuries he has suffered over the last few years, and came just weeks after his return to action from a broken metatarsal. But he is already looking forward to another comeback, and appeared upbeat today despite facing a further six to nine months on the sidelines.

"I have targets. I have a specific game which is probably miles off," he said. "It gives me something to focus on, and to look forward to. If it's six months I'll be back in April, if it's seven months [I'll be back at the] start of May, and eight or nine months [means] I'll miss the season. I won't come back before it's ready. It'd be foolish to do that. I'm sure I'll come back fit and strong when I do come back."

Owen was operated on by surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado and has now been able to take his first steps without crutches. Steadman is expecting Owen to make a fully recovery from the injury to his right knee. "He's really pleased," said Owen. "One thing he did say when I was leaving was, 'If you ever had to retire through injury the last thing it would be would be because of your knee'.

"It's in great condition. Early signs are that it's feeling great. I've stepped off crutches for the first time today which was another little bonus for me."