Allardyce dismisses Owen injury fear

England striker Michael Owen plays against Russia during a European Championship 2008 qualifier at Wembley Stadium in London, 12 September 2007. Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Owen does not require a hernia operation.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce confirmed on Wednesday that England striker Michael Owen does not require a hernia operation.

Owen was sent for a precautionary scan to see if he needed surgery to cure a niggling groin problem after being substituted against Derby on Monday.

But Allardyce said: "He does not need a hernia operation. I fully expect him to be fit to face West Ham on Sunday."

Surgery would have required a three-week lay-off, making Owen, who has scored five goals in as many games for his country, doubtful for England's October Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

Owen missed the opening two games of the season because of a thigh problem, having been sidelined for most of the 2006-07 campaign because of a cruciate ligament injury suffered at the 2006 World Cup finals.