England striker Michael Owen confirmed Thursday that he is ready to return to Premiership action this weekend, delivering his country's World Cup hopes a major boost.

The 26-year-old has been out of action for Newcastle since last December after he fractured a bone in his foot in a collision with Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

There had been fears that Owen could miss the World Cup, which begins on June 9, but Owen said he was hopeful of playing for Newcastle away at Birmingham City on Saturday.

"I've been training since Monday and it has been really good, much better than I thought," said Owen, who is hoping to play in his third World Cup finals.

"I haven't spoken to the manager in detail yet, but I think it would be sensible, after being out for just under five months, to gradually give me maybe 20 minutes on Saturday and then more in the next game," he added.

Source: Xinhua