England striker Michael Owen has been told he can step up his rehabilitation as he prepares for an eagerly-anticipated comeback.

Newcastle caretaker boss Glenn Roeder has revealed the 26-year-old, who has been out of action since fracturing a metatarsal on December 31, will start ball work either over the weekend or early next week. He is not expected to figure until the final two games of the season but, having had positive news from his specialist, Owen is ready to make his push for the World Cup this summer.

"We don't set dates because if you don't reach that date and he's not out training when he says he's going to be or playing, there's hysteria all around the country because of that," Roeder said. "All I know is, having seen Michael this week, he's very happy with the way things are progressing."