MICHAEL Owen has declared himself fit enough to start England's crucial European Championships qualifier against Estonia on Saturday.

Despite having undergone groin surgery just eight days earlier, Owen came off the bench to score Newcastle's third goal in last Sunday's 3-2 win over Everton.

That has convinced the 27-year-old he is ready to return to England's starting line-up, an opinion that has been backed up by his German specialist, Dr Ulrike Muschaweck.

Owen's return is a considerable boost to England boss Steve McClaren, but the news will not be received quite so warmly by Magpies manager Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce is concerned at the prospect of Owen playing two crucial qualifiers in the space of five days, and has asked McClaren to treat the striker carefully.

"I'll listen to the surgeon and not anyone else because she knows what she is talking about," said Owen, who scored in both of last month's qualifying victories over Israel and Russia.

"Could I play against Estonia? I don't see why not. The surgeon tells me nothing can go wrong in terms of the operation.

"I know the manager here said I did it in the last international matches but I was playing in pain even before then."

The speed of Owen's return has surprised most observers, but the Newcastle striker is delighted at the outcome of his operation.

"It's unbelievable," he added. "It feels great. It's much stronger than when I went in.

"As long as you can manage the pain, it won't get any worse. Thankfully, now I can go out and not feel any pain. I'm available for both sides I represent."

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