Owen confident over Cup fitness

The Newcastle striker felt discomfort in the foot after playing against Birmingham, his first appearance since sustaining the injury on 31 December.

But the club medics have played it down and he told the Times: "It is a relief.

"I've been told it's normal to feel pain. There's no reason why I should have a problem for the World Cup."

The 26-year-old's concerns came on the day England strike partner Wayne Rooney sustained a broken metatarsal bone against Chelsea, while Sven-Goran Eriksson also has injury worries over John Terry, Ashley Cole and Ledley King.

"I would hope to be involved against Chelsea on Sunday"
Michael Owen

However, Owen, who needed two operations to pin the bone, received a lift when X-rays confirmed that he had not sustained any lasting damage, with the bone and pin undisturbed.

He added: "Provided it subsides over the next few days, I would hope to be involved against Chelsea on Sunday."

That game would be only his 12th of the campaign for the Magpies, although he has scored seven goals.

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