Roeder happy with duo's return

Glenn Roeder says Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi are still 'a long way' from the first XI.

Glenn Roeder insists Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi are still 'a long way' from a Premiership return.

The Newcastle United strike duo have been missed this season, but stepped up their rehabilitation from injury with a behind-closed-doors outing against Gretna on Tuesday.

England ace Owen, who has not played since hurting his knee at the World Cup finals last summer, scored in the 4-1 win.

He also set up a goal for Ameobi, who has not featured for The Magpies since November after undergoing a hernia operation.

Roeder was happy to see the players back in action, but the Newcastle boss was quick to stress it is not an indication of an imminent return to the first team.

"The two lads played in an 11-a-side game against Gretna at the training ground on Tuesday," Roeder told the club's official website.

"Michael played for 70 minutes and Shola played for 60 minutes, and we are all, including the medical staff, very happy with the way it went.

"But again I have to say that playing an 11-a-side match on the training ground is still a long way from playing Premiership football."