Shepherd criticises Owen handling

ENGLAND v HUNGARY Date: 30 May 2006 Kick-off: 2005 BST Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester Live on Match of the Day, Radio Five Live and this website

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is unhappy with England officials over Michael Owen's latest injury scare.

The 26-year-old striker had a scan on a tight thigh muscle after training on Monday, which showed no damage, but Shepherd says no-one spoke to his club.

He told the Newcastle website: "I am disappointed that no-one within the England camp informed us.

"We have co-operated all the way along with England to help Michael and that is why this is disappointing."

News conference: Sven-Goran Eriksson

Owen, who joined Newcastle last summer, missed the last five months of the Premiership season because of a broken foot suffered on New Year's Eve.

Shepherd added: "To be the last to know, via the media, is certainly disappointing.

"Especially after we have kept the England camp informed all the way about Michael's fitness since he first injured his foot and we have done all we can to get Michael fit to play a big part at the World Cup.

"We will be making our feelings known and seeking an explanation from the England team management, plus reassurances that this doesn't happen again."

Owen made his return to action for England B against Belarus on Thursday and played for an hour.

He was expected to play the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's friendly with Hungary to help build his match fitness but he may not be risked following the injury scare.