 SAM ALLARDYCE says he is “100%” convinced that Michael Owen will be a Newcastle United player come the first day of the Premiership season at his old club Bolton Wanderers. Owen has been constantly linked with a move away from United all summer, and has a £9m release clause in his contract. Manchester United, Liverpool and, more recently, Arsenal and even Manchester City have been linked with a move for the United striker. But after meeting with Owen on more than one occasion, Allardyce is confident the England poacher will be back in action for Newcastle at the start of the new campaign. When asked if the £17m star would be at St James’ Park, Allardyce told the Chronicle: “100% yes.” And the new Toon chief is also keen on keeping Oba Martins alongside him despite speculation Arsenal are ready to activate a £13m clause. Speaking on the attack at Gallowgate, including Mark Viduka who is away with Australia at the moment, Allardyce added: “I would love to say on August 11 we’ll start with Shola Ameobi, Oba, Michael and Mark Viduka. “Of course, Mark’s playing in the Asian Cup at the moment. “The start to the season, for him, could be difficult, having done a season at Middlesbrough and then going away at the end of June until the end of July. “We might have to rest him at the start of the Premiership, so having four strikers of the quality we’ve got might be very important. “We could ill afford any of those three to get injured if Mark comes back and is not capable of starting the season because of the demands of the Far East.” United will embark on a week-long stint in Austria next week as part of their pre-season preparations. The seven-day stretch is thought to be a bonding session for Allardyce and his new players and the manager has already said mobile phones will be switched off in order to get the squad’s full attention and focus ahead of his first term in charge. However, the trip will also see Allardyce create fitness dossiers on all of his players as he begins to apply his scientific approach to football at St James’ Park. And despite the fact Viduka, Steven Taylor and James Milner are already looking doubtful to start the new season in peak condition, Big Sam added: “We’ve got to try and work towards ensuring that I have everybody fit and available for selection come August 11. “I probably won’t, but I’ve got to minimise it as much as possible and make sure we start the season by winning some points quickly.” | 
Article
