Newcastle Star Owen Back Running

Newcastle striker Michael Owen has stepped up his recovery from his cruciate ligament injury by jogging for the first time in training.

The 27-year-old was put through his paces at the Magpies' Darsley Park training ground.

Owen was injured playing for England at last year's World Cup.

He is hoping to make his first-team comeback in April but he admitted earlier this month that he may not return before the end of the season.

"I haven't had any setbacks. Hopefully I can return this season, but it could be next season," Owen said.

Magpies boss Glenn Roeder said that was open to "different interpretations" but he would not force Owen's comeback.

Roeder warned that it was not in anyone's interest for a return date to be set, in case Owen could not meet it and people interpreted this as a cause for concern.

"With someone like Michael Owen, it is best for us not to say `We believe he will be back on this specific date'," he said. "Because he is a world-renowned footballer, if he does not make that date, then all hell is let loose and he has had a setback."

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