Owen made his first Premiership appearance of the season on Saturday during Newcastle's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at StJames' Park.

The £16 million (S$48.75million) club-record signing, who missed the start of the season with a thigh problem, made little impression. He was introduced as a substitute midway through the second half in front of watching England coach Steve McClaren.

Injury-plagued Owen, who has been confined to just 15 Newcastle appearances since his high-profile arrival from Real Madrid almost two years ago, is set to step up his bid for match fitness.

He will figure in England's friendly against Germany at Wembley on Wednesday.

However, Allardyce insists it could be weeks before the 27-year-old is back to his sharpest, noting: 'Michael was there today, but he's not really back yet.

'At a guess, it could be one or two games, it could be four or five, or it could be six before we see the sharp end of Michael Owen.

'If Steve McClaren gives him some part of the Germany match, then that will be a great help, and we hope there's no injuries from that.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE