Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce insists England striker Michael Owen's will be fit and ready to face West Ham on Sunday, despite being taken off early in Monday's defeat to Derby at Pride Park.

Owen, whose career at St James' Park has been punctuated by a series of injuries, has only just returned to the side after missing much of the club's pre-season programme with knee trouble.

He was fit enough to score three times for England in their Euro 2008 double-header against Israel and Russia but lasted less than an hour of the Magpies' 1-0 defeat to Derby, with Allardyce substituting him with minor concerns over a tightening groin.

But after sending the 27-year-old for a scan, the former Bolton manager is happy to consider him for the weekend clash with the Hammers.

"We sent him for a scan as a precaution," Allardyce told The Sun. "But the result is he's absolutely fine and will be fit to play on Sunday."