Owen may face Sunderland

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has not given up hope of unleashing star striker Michael Owen on arch-rivals Sunderland despite his hamstring problem.

The 25-year-old England international is touch and go for the game at St James’ Park on Sunday after complaining of tightness in his hamstring on Tuesday, but a frustrated Souness is yet to admit defeat in his efforts to field his £17m (€25m) hitman.