Roeder optimistic about Owen

Newcastle striker Michael Owen will be given until Saturday to prove he is ready to return to action.

Owen has not played for 10 months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at the World Cup finals last summer but - along with Shola Ameobi - is battling to be passed fit to feature in Monday's Barclays Premiership trip to Reading.

Roeder said: "I will be looking at both Shola and Michael very carefully in the next couple of days. We are very hopeful for him. Don't be surprised if both Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi feature at Reading on Monday night."

Meanwhile, Roeder predictably warned Tottenham off midfielder Kieron Dyer after speculation suggested he will be a target for the Londoners this summer.

He said: "It's absolute nonsense about Spurs - and why after spending so much time in getting Kieron Dyer back into business with us should we consider selling him?

"The only concern I have about Kieron is that he plays a big part in our last three matches."