Glenn Roeder cool on strike duo return

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder says he will not rush Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi into a return for the reserves against Manchester United on Wednesday.
The strike duo are both back in training after serious injuries but Roeder has no intention of being hasty.

"Owen won't play in the reserves and neither will Ameobi," Roeder said. "But they are back on the training ground and playing football.

"Both are doing well but it's a long way from Premiership football."

Owen is targeting a return to action this season after making a good recovery from surgery on a cruciate knee ligament.

Ameobi, 25, has been out of action since undergoing surgery in November to cure a long-standing hip complaint.

"We've not put a date on when Owen will return simply because he is a world-class footballer and he is of interest to world football," said Roeder.

"If he doesn't make that date hysteria breaks out and there is no need to.

"He will continue his build up in training this week, as will Shola.

"It didn't seem the right thing to do playing him in the reserves. There would have been too much interest."