Michael Owen will make his England comeback in the unlikely surroundings of Turf Moor after Steve McClaren named the Newcastle striker in his B squad to face Albania.

Owen has only just returned to action after rupturing knee ligaments in the World Cup draw with Sweden last June, an injury which has led to Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd launching a legal battle against the Football Association for increased compensation for their £16million player.

With no Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United players — other than Red Devils striker Alan Smith — considered, McClaren has named his strongest possible squad, including five players who have not represented England at senior level; Michael Dawson, Joleon Lescott, Nicky Shorey, David Bentley and Sheffield United's Phil Jagielka.

While Owen, Smith and Ledley King can all look forward to international recalls after lengthy absences, there was less good news for others touted for inclusion.

Bolton duo Kevin Davies and Kevin Nolan both missed out, casting a major doubt over the likelihood of them ever winning a call-up under McClaren.

Manchester City's Joey Barton was omitted too, although it is not known whether McClaren merely decided not to pick the midfielder - who made his international debut against Spain in February - on form, or because he is currently suspended by his club for disciplinary reasons.

With Wayne Rooney suspended for the Estonia game and Andrew Johnson out injured, McClaren will be especially keen to see how Owen performs. Tottenham's Jermain Defoe and Preston's David Nugent will provide the back-up.