Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has played down fears that £17 million striker Michael Owen may not play this season.

The 27-year-old is currently working his way back from the double bout of knee surgery he underwent following his World Cup finals disaster last summer.

He spoke yesterday of his dream of being back to play in the Uefa Cup final at the end of the current campaign should the Magpies continue to prosper in Europe, but has also been quoted as admitting he may not return until 2007-08.

However, Roeder today insisted that, while no specific date is being put Owen's comeback, his intentions remain very firmly on pulling on a black and white shirt this season.

He said: "That is how it is going to be between now and the end of the season, different interpretations.

"That is why with someone like Michael Owen, it is best for us not to say 'We believe he will be back on this specific date'.

"Because he is a world-renowned footballer, if he does not make that date, then all hell is let loose and he has had a setback.

"He wants to play as soon as he can, but Michael being Michael, he has also warned our supporters there is the potential that, if it got to the last couple of games and he still needed more strength work, he would probably sit them out.

"But I do not think his intentions are to do that. Michael's motivations and intentions are to still play."