MICHAEL Owen last night insisted he was still the man to kickstart England's faltering European Championships qualifying campaign - even though he has not scored a goal since last June.

The Newcastle striker made his eagerly-awaited return to the international arena in last night's England B victory over Albania, but failed to find the net as Steve McClaren's shadow-squad ran out 3-1 winners at Turf Moor.

Owen's lengthening goal drought is a major cause for concern ahead of Friday's high-profile friendly with Brazil, and the following week's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.

But after completing his fourth appearance since returning from a ten-month injury lay-off, the 27-year-old is confident that a breakthrough is just around the corner.

"I'm sure it'll come," said Owen, who set up the second of Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing's two goals. "I'm happy to have played 90 minutes and hopefully it will make me sharper and sharper.

"I've been out for a year and it's only my fourth game, so I was never going to be at my total best. But I feel that my touch is decent and I certainly feel sharp.

"If I get the balls whizzed in the box and score a couple of goals, everyone will say, 'Oh he looks back to his best'. I might be bubbling under now just waiting for a few chances.

"I felt my hold-up play was okay, but I only really had one chance and I didn't manage to score it."

With Wayne Rooney and Andy Johnson both ruled out of June 6's trip to Tallinn, McClaren was understandably delighted to see Owen back in action.

The £17m frontman was making his first international appearance since rupturing his cruciate ligaments in last summer's World Cup and, despite his rustiness, the England boss retains confidence in his ability.

"It was tremendous," said McClaren, who will name his latest senior squad this lunchtime. "It was his first 90 minutes for England for almost a year. He just needs more games.

"He looked sharp and he linked play well. All that was missing was the icing on the cake. But he got into the positions and the goals will come."

McClaren was also pleased with the performance of Downing, a player who has overcome considerable criticism to establish himself in an England shirt.

"Every time I see him he looks more mature and more capable of dealing with everything," said the former Middlesbrough boss. "It's not been a smooth ride for Stewart, but he's come through it and I'm delighted for him.

"It's part and parcel of being an England player. Some get a long honeymoon period but others don't, and it's whether you can come through that criticism."