Owen's back on song, says Taylor

May 28 2007 By Paul Gilder, The Journal

Michael Owen might believe that he will soon be back to his best, but Newcastle team-mate Steven Taylor last night insisted that the fit-again striker is already there.

The St James's Park pair played together in Friday's B international against Albania at Turf Moor, a match in which Owen made his long-awaited England comeback following his injury problems.

The 27-year-old missed a simple chance to score his first goal in almost 12 months and in the four fixtures he has played since returning to action last month, he has yet to demonstrate that his talents remain intact.

Steve McClaren has called for patience as Owen strives to regain his sharpness. But although the forward has admitted he still needs further practice to rediscover his best form, Taylor has watched his recent efforts with admiration.

"Michael has looked strong in training since he has come back, but last week with England was perhaps the sharpest I've ever seen him," said the fast-emerging defender, who is expecting a player whose future is uncertain to still be at St James's Park next season. "I think he's better now than at any other time that I've played with him and Newcastle will reap the benefits next season.

"It was great to see Michael get through the 90 minutes and I think all of the lads were delighted for him. If he could have scored, it would have topped things off. But I have no doubt that the goals will come."

Owen was named in McClaren's latest England squad at the weekend. The striker will continue his comeback during Friday's friendly against Brazil at Wembley with a view to spearheading the Three Lions attack in Tallinn on June 6, when England take on Estonia in a must-win Euro 2008 qualifier. Taylor will not feature, with the United stopper instead preparing for the Under-21s European Championship finals. But he will keep a close eye on Owen's progress along with Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce.

The 21-year-old has welcomed Allardyce's appointment, although he has warned the former Bolton manager that he will have his work cut out at St James's Park.

"Newcastle is probably one of the hardest managerial jobs you can have in football because you're under pressure from the beginning," he added. "You have to give him time - time to get his own staff in, time to get the style of play he wants and time to get his own players in. That will all take time, but I'm definitely behind him and I know the rest of the lads will be."