Owen set for sub's role against Villa

Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear is expected to name Michael Owen as a substitute for tonight's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Magpies boss revealed that Owen has recovered fully from his groin injury, but will start on the bench as a precaution at St James' Park this evening.

Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle: "He will start off on the bench, but he will still play a big part for us tonight. And what a player and goalscorer to have to come off the bench."

Owen has come on as a substitute to score several crucial goals already this season, including the only goal in Newcastle's 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in August.

Ladbrokes offers 5/1 on Owen finding the net first in tonight's game, with Gabriel Agbonlahor, who scored in Villa's 3-2 triumph over Blackburn last week, a 6/1 bet.

Betfred prices a Newcastle win at 15/8, with victory for Villa available at 7/5 and a draw available at 23/10.

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