Michael Owen is continuing to fight for fitness in what has proven to be a long and difficult spell for the star. New Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has moved quickly in the transfer market throughout the summer. He has strengthened his strike force by signing Mark Viduka and Alan Smith. As a result he has now warned Owen that he will have to fight for his place in the squad when he regains fitness.

In recent seasons the Newcastle strike force has pretty much picked itself. However, now with added competition the starting line up is unsure. Since Owen’s brief return to fitness at the end of last season speculation has surrounded his future at St James Park. This has lingered over the summer but it is now something finally that the new manager and player have been able to put to bed.