Owen return eight months away

Newcastle striker Michael Owen insists he will not only return to his best after his cruciate knee ligament surgery but believes his career will be extended by the operation.

The 26-year-England international is aiming for a return to action in April after renowned Colorado-based surgeon Dr Richard Steadman repaired the joint damaged in the summer's World Cup.

"I want to be back to what I've been for the last 10 years," he told the Daily Mirror.

"Twenty years ago if you had this injury you were finished, but now it's a 99% success rate. Obviously I want this right for the rest of my career and that is the most important thing.

"But the plus side is that with the extra strength the operation will give me, I could get another couple of years added to the end of my career."

Meanwhile Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth will make his debut for the club tonight after recovering from his ankle problem.

The 21-year-old German international, a £6million signing from Chelsea, has been included in the reserve team for tonight's match against Sheffield United at Chesterfield.

Huth's recovery will encourage manager Gareth Southgate, who last week lost Chris Riggott to injury for up to eight weeks.

Berlin-born Huth completed his move to the Riverside Stadium during the final hours of the summer transfer window after a tense few months.

It looked as though he would join in July, but a proposed deal fell through when a medical revealed his ankle problem.

Huth returned to Chelsea, where he had surgery, and with his rehabilitation almost complete, Boro decided to proceed with the transfer.