Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is happy with the return from injury of striker Michael Owen.

So happy in fact that he may include him in the starting eleven for this week's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Owen has started the last few outings on the bench but came on to fire a goal in last week's 2-2 draw with Wigan.

"Michael is almost 100 percent fit and his impact has made life very tough for me in terms of the team I select to play against Chelsea," Kinnear told The Northern Echo.

"He answered us in the best possible way with his goal and looked sharp when he came on for those 20 minutes.

"Shola Ameobi and Obafemi Martins have done very well for me since I came to the club, but Michael is the best player we have when he's fully fit."

Kinnear also believes that a place in the national is just around the corner for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player.

"He is world class and, as far as I'm concerned, it's only a matter of time before he's back in the England squad," Kinnear added.

"The only thing keeping him out at the moment is fitness, and I'm sure once he's had a run of games and proven he's sharp and strong, Fabio Capello will recall him."