No risk with Owen - Clemence - Sport in brief

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The striker is set to start up front at Wembley alongside Newcastle team-mate Alan Smith as he continues his return from an injury sustained at the 2006 World Cup.

The goalkeeping coach told BBC Radio Five Live: "(Manager) Steve (McClaren) would not play someone who was a risk. We've assessed his fitness, he hasn't played as much football as he'd like but Michael Owen is a proven goalscorer."

He added: "He showed at the back end of last season in the three games (that) he's got his appetite back, he scored against Estonia, and is a big plus for the squad."

The knee injury - which cost the Football Association a reported £4million in compensation to Newcastle - restricted him to just three games for the Magpies last season.

Owen made his international comeback against Brazil in June which he followed days later with a goal in England's vital Euro 2008 qualification victory over Estonia.

While Owen could have expected to have played a part in England's game, the absences of Wayne Rooney, Andrew Johnson and Darren Bent mean the 27-year-old is set to play a greater role than he may otherwise have expected.

Clemence also insisted there was still an opportunity for other strikers to force their way into the reckoning for the qualifiers.

"They (Owen and Smith) will probably start but no-one knows who will be fit and what will happen for the next few home games.

"We've got a number of injuries but it gives others opportunities to show Steve what they are capable of and puts thoughts in Steve's head."