Roeder keen to unveil new improved Owen

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The England striker is set to make his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in the World Cup and manager Glenn Roeder said: "He looks two inches broader. Michael has been made to work very hard to the top half of his body. He has worked extremely hard on his leg strength.

Scroll down to read more:

Back with a goal: Michael Owen

"There is a possibility he will play against Chelsea, no more than that. I can't wait to write his name on my teamsheet."

Owen, who has started just 10 games since his move from Madrid in 2005, said: "I feel great. I've been doing that much in training and in the gym. It was nice to play the other day against Gretna but I want to play for real and start scoring goals again. I've been out for a long time and I'm looking forward to making my first appearance and then we'll worry about performances after that. I might be a bit rusty when it comes to the real thing.

"I need to get a few balls to bounce off my shins, which is part and parcel of coming back from injury."

Newcastle look to have won the race for Steve Sidwell.

Sportsmail understands Roeder is confident the Reading midfielder will sign on a free transfer at the end of the season.