Owen begins long road to recovery

Michael Owen's second operation to repair his cruciate knee ligament "went extremely well", Newcastle officials said today.

The England striker is in the United States to undergo the second part of two-stage surgery undertaken by specialist Dr Richard Steadman.

The 26-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament during the 2-2 draw with Sweden in the World Cup in June and there have been fears he will miss the entire Premiership season.

But following yesterday's operation Owen can now begin his rehabilitation and Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is thrilled by the news.

He said: "I've spoken to our club doctor Roddy MacDonald across in Colorado and he gave me the fantastic news that Michael's operation went extremely well.

"As far as Michael is concerned, he can now start to focus on playing again. It's going to be a long haul but he can start to focus on that.

"And I look forward to the day when I can write his name on a Newcastle United teamsheet."

Owen will make an immediate start to his intensive rehabilitation programme in the United States and will return to Tyneside in due course later next week.  PA