Newcastle striker Michael Owen insists he's still keen to set England records

Owen missed Wednesday's friendly victory over the USA at Wembley as well as this Sunday's clash with Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain with a virus.

Setting sights on records: Michael Owen

But the ambitions at international level still burn brightly for the 28-year-old Newcastle striker who ended the season in fine form for Kevin Keegan's side.  

He has netted 40 goals for England and has the record haul by Sir Bobby Charlton in his sights as well as clocking up a century of appearances for the Three Lions.  

Owen said: "On a personal note, they are the two main targets I am aiming for at the moment. Whether they are unrealistic or not, only time will tell.  

"But it's nice to be in a position to chase two great dreams like that. I'd be a very proud man if I could reach either of them, let alone both.  

"Of course, to get to 100 caps for my country like David Beckham recently achieved would be the icing on the cake. That would be fantastic. I'm on 89 now."  

Owen continued: "As for Bobby Charlton's record, I suppose it's been in my sights for a while.  

"When I was 25-26, I was into the 20s goal-wise so you think it's a possibility right from the outset because I got into the England team so early in my career.  

"You always hope that fantastic records like that come your way. It's a long way off but if I'm out on the pitch, I'm always confident of taking any chance that comes up and banging in the odd goal or two."  

Owen knows he has to impress Fabio Capello if the chance of reaching those two targets is to remain a possibility.  

He added: "Time is certainly on my side. It's just whether you stay fit and then - if you are fit - whether you play well enough to be in the team. They are the only things that can stop you really.  

"But it's always hard to predict the future. These records are just dreams at the moment but staying fit and being in good form are the two ingredients that will help me realise them."