 Owen is crucial to Sven-Goran Eriksson's England plans |
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has been included in the Magpies' squad to face West Brom on Saturday. Owen, 26, has been out since New Year's Eve when he fractured a metatarsal against Spurs at White Hart Lane.
His is a surprise inclusion but it is understood he is unlikely to figure and has only been included to get him involved with the first team again.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will be keen to see Owen get games under his belt before the World Cup in June.
Eriksson must name his squad by 15 May, while his team's World Cup campaign begins against Paraguay on 10 June.
Roeder revealed on Friday that Owen was progressing well and, although he has named him in his squad for the match against the Baggies, he expects his playing return a week later at Birmingham.
"When you speak to Michael he is always a positive person," said Roeder. "You always get a feeling that nothing worries him.
"But when I spoke with him this morning, I could hear in his voice a little extra bounce following a meeting with his consultant."
Newcastle are without Alan Shearer for the West Brom game, with the Magpies captain set to reveal on Saturday whether he will be forced to retire early through injury.
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