Owen back for Magpies

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The 29-year-old has targeted Saturday's trip to the KC Stadium since the early days of his recovery from the ankle ligament problem which sidelined him at the end of January. He returned to training around 10 days ago and caretaker boss Chris Hughton has confirmed he will be involved in a game which could have a major say in the club's Barclays Premier League survival.

Hughton said: "It's a massive lift. He is our club captain, he is a player with a wonderful goalscoring record and ability, so for everybody just to have him back on board, it gives us all a lift."

He added: "One thing we have continually said is what we wanted to do is have a stronger bench. A stronger bench means a stronger team and also competition for places.

"That being the case, to have someone like Michael back involved in the squad is a lift for everybody."

Whether or not Owen will start at Hull after a five-game absence remains to be seen, but he will play some part against the Tigers with the Magpies hovering above the drop zone only on goal difference as a result of Blackburn's victory at Fulham last night.

Hughton said: "Michael will be involved. The decision on the team will be left until Friday, but Michael has had a good week and a half's training under his belt.

"He has trained very, very well and it is a massive bonus to have him back involved again.

"That will be a decision we will make over the next day. It is about playing the right team against a good Hull side on the back of a big win for them, so that will be a decision which is made over the next day or so.

"But the important thing is that we have got him back involved and he stays fit and helps us in these last 10 games of the season."