Owen won't panic despite injury setback

England striker Michael Owen is refusing to worry about his World Cup chances just yet despite reporting a problem with his previously-broken right foot on his return to competitive action.

The Newcastle forward, making his first appearance since breaking his fifth metatarsal on New Year's Eve, was a 60th-minute substitute in the 0-0 draw at Birmingham yesterday.

However, he left the field complaining of discomfort and he will now contact the specialist who performed two operations on the injury in an attempt to alleviate the problem.

“My foot does not feel right. I felt something go after 10 minutes but it is not the kind of pain I experienced when I needed a second operation,” he told the News of the World.

“I can’t say I’ve rushed back too soon. I’ve been in full training all week and was fully prepared to play a full part [against Birmingham].

“I will have to go and see the surgeon. Until then I don’t know how serious it is. It doesn’t feel perfect.

“Is it pain? I don’t know how to explain it. There is a numbness there. It is obviously not ideal. As far as the World Cup is concerned it is much too early to say. I’m not going to panic.”