Hero Owen makes successful England comeback

Owen was given a 90-minute run-out by Steve McClaren in England's 3-1 victory over Albania in a B friendly starring David Bentley at Turf Moor, but failed to find the net in his first appearance in an English shirt for almost a year.

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The 27-year-old Newcastle forward, who was made captain, has asked for patience in his return to full fitness, despite the necessity of him starting against Estonia because of Wayne Rooney's suspension.

"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," he said. "My body feels great. It's just a case of feeling sharper and sharper.

"Who knows how long it will take? If I get the balls whizzed into the box and score a couple of goals, everyone will say: 'Oh, he looks back to his best'.

"It might take 10 games or I might be bubbling under now just waiting for a chance to come along. I felt my hold-up play was OK but I only really had one chance to score.

"I'm happy to have played 90 minutes and hopefully it will make me sharper. I feel my touch is decent and I certainly feel sharp. Given the chances I'm confident I will score goals.

"I don't think anyone can say I'm not fit. My knee feels great and I'm happy with my night's work."

McClaren was delighted with Owen's return, saying: "It's like having a new signing. It's like coming to a new period with a team and you have a new player. He just needs games and match practice to get back what he was.

"He has come on a lot recently. His week has been very good. I don't think we can expect a great deal from Michael, don't put too much expectation on him.

"He still has a long way to go, he knows that, but it's great to have him back. It was a tremendous workout for him. He needs more of them. His all-round play was very good.

"He looked sharp and strong and linked the play well. It's his first international for England for a year but he was sharp and strong. The only thing missing was the icing on the cake.

"That will come. He was in the positions. It's just a matter of time before he gets the timing back. A lot of the players did themselves no harm whatsoever."

One of those was man-of-the-match Bentley, who said: "It was another step up the ladder. There are some great players in the squad and I will grab the chance with both hands if it comes my way."

Aaron Lennon limped off with a twisted knee that will require a scan before Saturday's squad is announced.