Newcastle striker Michael Owen insists he is ready to return to Premier League action this weekend after coming through an hour-long work-out last night.

The 27-year-old missed most of pre-season and last Saturday's opening-day win at Bolton with a thigh injury sustained during shooting practice.

But after a friendly against Newcastle Blue Star at Kingston Park, in which he had two chances cleared off the line, the England star said: "I feel fine, it was only a small injury, a niggle.

"It had me out for a couple of weeks but I've trained for the last four or five days and I was confident I'd be fine and it was good to get back out on the pitch.

"It's a little frustrating to have missed some of the pre-season games but I've been able to do all the running work."

Owen's optimism means he could now face Aston Villa at St James' Park on Saturday, and will come as music to the ears of England coach Steve McClaren after he lost Manchester United frontman Wayne Rooney for the forthcoming internationals with a foot injury.

Shola Ameobi scored both goals to help the United second string to a 2-0 win in a match that also saw a first appearance in Newcastle colours for Brazilian defender Claudio Cacapa.

Midfielder Kieron Dyer, who recently saw a transfer to West Ham collapse at the 11th hour, also played.

Winger Nolberto Solano has set his sights on a move away from St James' Park after deciding he needs to be closer to his children in London.

Solano, in his second spell with United following a stint at Aston Villa, is believed to be a target for West Ham and hopes to have more luck than team-mate Kieron Dyer, who saw a move in the same direction fall through last week.

The Peruvian international said: "A decision will be made in the next couple of days. It's up to the two clubs but I want to go to London because my wife and two children have moved there.

"Clubs in Spain also want me but I won't go there, I will only leave Newcastle to go to London.  My wife and I are separated and I miss my children. Sometimes you have to out your family first."

Solano (32) also thanked Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce for his handling of the issue.

"Sam Allardyce has been great, he's a great man. I've spoken to him and he says he won't stop me leaving.  Leaving Newcastle will be hard because I feel they are on the verge of something big here."