Stoke striker Michael Owen 'raring to go'

Former England international has not played since October

2. Let’s hope canny Pulis gets the best out of Owen Michael Owen’s arrival at Stoke is intriguing for many reasons. It is further evidence that Tony Pulis, that canny operator, is changing his team’s style. It is confirmation of Stoke’s status as an (PA)

Stoke striker Michael Owen has declared himself fit for Saturday's visit of Everton.

The former England international, a summer free transfer after leaving Manchester United, has not featured for the Potters since October 27.

That was the last of only four substitute appearances but having finally overcome groin and hamstring injuries, Owen feels he is ready to get his place back in the squad to face the club he supported as a boy.

"I am healthy and raring to go," Owen told The Sentinel. "It depends on me now to stay fit and perform. I have to wait for the opportunity but hopefully I can take it when it does come.

"I've had muscular problems which have probably come from not having a solid pre-season.

"But that's gone. I want to look forward and hopefully iron out the niggles and get on with playing some games.

"It's a key period because the games are coming thick and fast and there are a lot of points to be had around Christmas.

"I just want to get going because it has been a stuttering start so far for me.

"I just want to be fit for a period of time and show the fans what I came here to do."

PA