Owen hits back at loyalty allegations

MICHAEL OWEN has hit back at allegations he is more interested in playing for England than Newcastle.

Owen has made a staggeringly quick return from a double hernia operation carried out by top German surgeon Ulrike Muschaweck, clearing him for Saturday’s European Championship qualifier against Estonia when most pundits, including England coach Steve McClaren, felt he would not be fit. The situation has only fuelled irritation among some Magpies followers about Owen’s priorities and loyalty, especially as Sam Allardyce has cautioned against the 27-year-old being too heavily involved in international combat over the next fortnight.

Visibly angry as he addressed the issue at England’s Watford base, Owen feels the facts do not back up the criticism.