The striker had been struck down by mumps for much of the summer and also struggled with a calf injury as he looked to regain full fitness.

He came on as a substitute against Bolton on Saturday and headed home the winning goal to continue Newcastle's fine start to the season.

Owen is now ready to play a full role for the Magpies, while he also says he will be available for an England call-up when Fabio Capello selects his next squad.

my belt

"I'm feeling good and I'm ready to get back playing football," Owen said.

"The illness is out of my system and I've got a lot of work under my belt over the last few weeks.

"The medical staff think I've had long enough to recuperate and I've done enough training, so if it means I've only missed one game and I'm fit for the rest of the campaign, I'll be more than happy."