Owen dismisses Allardyce concerns

England striker Owen has recovered well from surgery nine days ago

Striker Michael Owen has told his Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce that he is fit for England's games against Estonia on Saturday and Russia on 17 October.

Allardyce is concerned about Owen's ability to play in two Euro 2008 qualifiers after surgery on his stomach and an abductor muscle nine days ago.

But Owen told BBC 5live: "I'll listen to the surgeon and nobody else because she knows what she is talking about.

"I don't see why I can't play - the surgeon tells me nothing can go wrong."

The 27-year-old Owen scored on his return to the Newcastle side in a 16-minute cameo during Sunday's 3-2 win over Everton.

And he will be expected to play a key role in England's game against Estonia at Wembley on Saturday, plus next week's clash with Russia in Moscow.

Allardyce claimed Owen picked up the injury playing for England last month, but the forward insists he had it before then.

"I know the manager here said I did it in the last international match but I was playing in pain even before then," said Owen.

"I've been pushing through the pain for the last six weeks.

"It (now) feels great, much stronger than when I went in and I am available for both teams I represent."

Allardyce meanwhile is a little more cautious over his star striker: "I don't know if two games in such a short space of time is right.

"It's not my decision but I will speak to England boss Steve McClaren."

Allardyce had said on Monday: "For me, it's about every match Newcastle play that he is available to be selected for.

"It has been a terrific recovery after an operation by one of the best surgeons in the world to have a repair of the stomach and an abductor muscle."

Owen's Newcastle team-mate Alan Smith will join up with the England squad this week, although Allardyce admitted he had a slight knee problem.