Allardyce Denies Owen Rift

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed suggestions of a simmering row with Michael Owen over his England return.

Allardyce has found himself in the spotlight after revealing he let national boss Steve McClaren know his feelings about the £17million man's fitness following Owen's goalscoring cameo in the 3-2 win over Everton just eight days after he underwent surgery on a groin problem.

With Owen insisting he has been told by top German specialist Ulrike Muschaweck, who carried out two operations on him the weekend before last, he can push himself as hard as he wants, rumours of a three-way debate have been rife.

However, McClaren insisted last night there is no disagreement between the parties, and Allardyce confirmed that view today. He said: 'It's just people trying to get between myself and Michael. 'The same has happened with Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez at Liverpool earlier this year - it's a common theme during the international breaks. '

For me as manager, I have 14 players away on international duty representing their countries, and for each and every one of them, all I can do is keep my fingers crossed they come back fit and well.'

Owen, who scored three goals in the victories over Israel and Russia last month to take his tally for his country to 40, is confident he is ready to face Estonia at Wembley on Saturday and then the Russians on their artificial pitch in Moscow next Wednesday.