Owen: Time running out to convince Capello
Manchester United striker Michael Owen has admitted that he is not holding out much hope of being named in Fabio Capello's England squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.
The 30-year-old Red Devil netted his eighth goal of the season in all competitions for Sir Alex Ferguson's side during the 3-0 victory against West Ham on Tuesday.
However, the diminutive goal-getter, who has started just five Premier League games for the Old Trafford outfit in 2009/10 - coming off the bench on 14 occasions - conceded that time is running out for him to impress Capello enough to be included in the 23-man squad for South Africa.
Owen has featured in each of England's last three World Cup campaigns in 1998, 2002 and 2006, but has not played under the Italian since the friendly against France in March 2008.
"It's been a long time since I was in the England squad. You never give up but it's probably a long shot in racing terms," he told BBC Radio.
"But it's been great at United and whenever I'm called upon I'm fit and ready. You learn about your body over the years.
"I've learned from my mistakes and, touch wood, I haven't missed a training session since I've been at United."
And the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle front-man insisted that he is still enjoying his football, despite his lack of regular action, and is relishing the Premier League title run-in with a first league winners' medal firmly in his sights.
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"It's hard not to enjoy it when you're winning games, you're playing well and in amongst the lads. Of course you want to play a bit more but I've had some cracking times already at United," he said.
"They are exciting times. And we've got plenty to look forward to between now and the end of the season."
Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.