Owen 'focused' on Newcastle - Pearson - Sport in brief

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Pearson was on Friday preparing to lead the Magpies into their final game of an eventful season at Watford on Sunday against the backdrop of Glenn Roeder's resignation, speculation about his successor while the Owen's future on Tyneside has also been brought into question.

When asked if Owen is still eager to play for Newcastle, Pearson replied: "Yes, sure, absolutely. I do not think there is any question. He has had a difficult year and I know he is glad to be playing again. Outside of that, I do not think it is for me to comment any further."

Owen's first home game since December 2005 against Blackburn last weekend proved to be Roeder's last at the helm and, if he starts at Vicarage Road, it will be only his third appearance of the season after 10 months out recovering from the knee injury he picked up on World Cup duty with England last summer.

However, Owen was on Thursday named in the squad for the B international against Albania at Turf Moor in a fortnight's time, and could return to senior action in the friendly clash with Brazil and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia next month.

Roeder had indicated last week that he would be unhappy if the player was asked to turn out against the Albanians, but Pearson was relaxed about the matter.

He said: "First and foremost, it has been important that he has played some part in the season for us.

"Having worked with him for a number of weeks now on the training field and the last couple of games, although we have not won games, Michael has done very well considering the amount of time he has been out.

"First and foremost, it was important that he finished the season strongly for us, and the B international will help his progression and ultimately, we gain from that."