Hughton: Owen is focusing on his fitness

Chris Hughton, the Newcastle United manager, has turned Fabio Capello’s refusal to call up Owen for England into a positive light, and has expressed his delight in the progress that the 29-year-old has made over the past weeks regarding his injury.

“Michael has benefited from the two-week break, and it’s been a real bonus for us that he’s been able to work with us at the training ground,” revealed Hughton.”And what helps during the international break is that the group is a little bit smaller and you are able to concentrate a little bit more on each player.

“Michael is focused on getting on with the job in hand. He is just back from six weeks out through injury, and Michael will want to get back to his full fitness levels.”He has been concentrating on doing the best he can because it’s the tough end of the season now and it’s all about what part he can play.”