SAM Allardyce has warned England boss Steve McClaren that he will not be a happy man if Michael Owen returns from international duty anything less than fully fit.

McClaren is expected to start his star striker in both games against Estonia and Russia despite Allardyce insisting he is still not fit enough to start for Newcastle.

Owen came off the bench to grab Newcastle's winner at home to Everton yesterday and declared himself ready for England next weekend.

Allardyce, however, remained cautious and will be in conversation with his England counterpart to discuss what is best for a player who has scored 40 times in 85 international appearances.

His importance to the England cause is such that McClaren's very future as international coach may hinge on the 27-year-old, and any request from Allardyce to keep him in reserve may fall on deaf ears.

"We've been very protective with Michael Owen that's why we didn't start him," said Allardyce, after seeing Owen and fellow substitute Emre turn the game back in Newcastle's favour.

"He's got to be eased back into it. For me it's about ensuring that every game Newcastle play he is available to get selected.

"He goes to England fit and the last thing I want is for him to come back with another injury."

Owen himself was chomping at the bit, admitting he wanted to start yesterday and prove himself ready for England's crucial double header.

"I am fine," said Owen after the game. "I'm playing without pain and it can only get better.

"It's only minor and I have still got all the stitches in. I've put in a lot of hard work and I was disappointed not to actually start.

"My surgeon has told me to push it hard and it can only get better."

Allardyce's concerns are that he will pushing it too hard and he wants Owen fit to start for Newcastle rather than England.

He admitted he had to rein in the striker and left him on the bench until the 75th minute yesterday.

Allardyce said: "We had to do without Mark Viduka who's been a terrific asset this season but Alan Smith and Obafemi Martins looked like they'd played together for a long time and that was really encouraging.

"In my opinion Michael was not fit to start but in his opinion he was. I've tried to do what's best for the club and for Michael.

"I haven't spoken to Steve about that yet. I need to speak to him privately regarding that situation and see what he thinks, and it is the same with Alan."

Smith has a minor knee injury and will be assessed today before a decision is taken whether he can meet up with England tomorrow.

Allardyce admitted Newcastle struggled for a while after Andy Johnson equalised early in the second half cancelling out Nicky Butt's opener.

He believed a 80th minute block from Claudia Cacapa on Victor Anichebe was crucial to the Magpies win - with Newcastle's two goals late on enough to ensure that Shay Given's own goal in injury time didn't effect the result.

He said: "Despite the two subs scoring (Owen and Emre) I thought Claudia Cacapa changed the game in our favour. I know Michael Owen and Emre scored but that tackle from Anichebe was excellent."

Everton striker Andy Johnson, who scored for the Toffees yesterday, has been pulled out of the England squad and will undergo an ankle operation this week.