Newcastle star taking a hard line over his fitness

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The England striker insists he is ready to play in two Euro 2008 qualifiers in four days after having an operation on groin and stomach muscles less than two weeks ago.

Owen: 'My injury was wear-and-tear but it's much stronger than when I went in for surgery'

He has told Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce he will not be dictated to over his participation in internationals but after declaring himself fit to play against Estonia on Saturday, the crunch game in Moscow next week will be his biggest test.

Owen has admitted his injury problems were partly caused by playing on hard pitches, and Russia's artificial surface is set to be unforgiving.

The RFF have permission from UEFA to play on the modern equivalent of a plastic pitch but, after Guus Hiddink's side were defeated 3-0 at Wembley last month, they have shelved plans to take advantage of the latest developments for the surface at the Luzhniki Olympic Stadium.

Owen said: "My injury was wear-and-tear - you go out on hard pitches every day and it takes its toll. But it's much stronger than when I went in for surgery. Even when it feels a bit tight you just plough through it."

The striker made a scoring return for Newcastle in their 3-2 win against Everton on Sunday just eight days after the operation and feels Allardyce's fears about his fitness are unfounded.

His club manager has urged England head coach Steve McClaren to use "common sense" and hinted Owen should be rested for one of the qualifiers.

But the 27-year-old has put his faith in Ulrike Muschaweck, a specialist in Munich who has got him back playing in record time.

High risk: Owen will be tested by the artificial pitch

He said: "I'll listen to the surgeon and not anyone else because she knows what she is talking about. 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 said I did it in the last international matches, but I was playing in pain even before them.

"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."