Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce believes it will be six weeks before Michael Owen gets back to his best.

The 63rd-minute introduction of the England striker failed to break the deadlock against Aston Villa and stretched the home side's scoreless streak at St James' Park to a remarkable 560 minutes.

Allardyce said: "Michael was not there today but he is not really back yet. It could be five or six games before you see the sharp end of Michael Owen.

"If Steve (McClaren) gives him some part of the Germany match this week that will be a great help and obviously we hope there will be no injuries from that."