Owen tipped for World Cup return

Owen has not rushed his latest comeback from injury

Newcastle caretaker boss Glenn Roeder has reassured England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson that Michael Owen will be ready for this summer's World Cup.

The 26-year-old striker has had minor surgery on his broken foot, but is still confident of playing for Newcastle before the end of the season.

Roeder told the People: "He is looking forward to playing for us this season and then for England in the World Cup.

"There is no cause for concern for Mr Eriksson - the surgery went well."

Owen broke his metatarsal bone in December and had been pencilled in to return on 9 April, but that will now be pushed back.

England coach Eriksson faces a 15 May deadline to name his squad.

Roeder added: "I spoke to the surgeon and he said he is pleased he did it and he feels it was a complete success.

"The surgeon said it would not hold Michael back for more than three weeks and he is confident that he will play for Newcastle before the end of the season and for England in the World Cup."

Owen himself was hopeful of making a quick recovery from the injury after receiving the treatment.

"The specialists say everything is fine but to speed the process they need to tighten the screw they inserted when I had the operation," he told the club's website on Friday.

"It is a simple process and should ensure that I'm back playing for Newcastle before the end of the season."