Michael Owen has pencilled in his first behind-closed-doors friendly as his comeback gathers momentum.
The England and
Newcastle striker is due to play against League Two leaders Hartlepool United's reserve side in a game in the week of April 16.
Owen, who is recovering from a double knee operation after he was injured on World Cup duty with England, played 20 minutes of a full practice match with the rest of the
Newcastle first team on Friday and is believed to have come through without any complications.
Owen scored twice in the kick about and was clattered by defender Stephen Carr. He then missed
Newcastle's defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
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