Sam Allardyce is confident Newcastle will see Michael Owen at his best next season.

It took Owen almost a year to work his way back to fitness after suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup last summer.

"Michael is relishing getting started next season," said Allardyce.

"I have listened to what Michael has said about all the long dark days he has experienced, about doing all that rehabilitation work on his own, about wondering how long it was going to take and about having to be patient.

"He has come through that difficult time and he has come through it not just a stronger player, but also a better person.

"When you have had a career-threatening injury like Michael has, it's a life-changing experience.

"But he has come out the other side and I am hoping both Michael and ourselves will see the benefits from that next season."