McClaren excited by Owen returnEngland manager Steve McClaren has talked of his happiness to see the return from injury of star striker Micheal Owen but has told fans to be patient with the Newcastle hit-man.
"From a personal point of view, it's terrific to have him back in the England squad and we've missed him for the year," said McClaren.
"There's been many, many times he has been our saviour and over the year we have missed that, so it's great to have him back on the training field and fit.
"From his point of view it's a massive boost because it was a bad injury, but he has come through it, and shown great character and attitude.
"He looks sharp, he looks fit, he looks strong. Let's not expect too much from him, let's not put too much pressure on him because it was a bad injury.
"He'll need games, he needs training sessions and he's getting them at the moment."
On the return of Manchester United striker Alan Smith, he added: "Again, it was another horrendous injury and it really shows the character and attitude of these players to come back from bad injuries.
"Alan Smith, especially, that was horrendous. He has got guts, he's got character and he has showed that to be back playing.
"I saw him quite a few times for Manchester United at the end of the season and he impressed me more in his attitude, and he's one of those players who has got the experience.
"He can wear the shirt, it's not too big for him. It's great to have him back and his attitude on the training ground."
"There's been many, many times he has been our saviour and over the year we have missed that, so it's great to have him back on the training field and fit.
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