Hughton hopes Owen benefits

Newcastle United's caretaker manager Chris Hughton believes Michael Owen's omission from the England squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine has helped the 29-year-old striker.

Owen recently returned to action following a six-week lay-off because of an ankle ligament problem and eyebrows were raised when Fabio Capello left him out of his squads for the friendly match with Slovakia and the Ukraine game.

However, Hughton admits to being pleased with Capello's decision, telling the club's official website:"Michael's 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.

"What helps during the international break is that the group is a little bit smaller and you're able to concentrate a little bit more on each player.

"Michael's focused on getting on with the job in hand. He's just back from six weeks out through injury and will want to get back to his full fitness levels.

"He's 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."

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