| Mind over matter for Michael Owen |
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Saturday, 15 September 2007
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"Did I ever doubt I would come back? No, never," said Owen. "I'm very strong mentally. There might be a lot of people who've got a lot more skill than me - but not many people who are as mentally as strong as me." The Newcastle Utd striker added: "When it comes to beating long-term injuries or lack of form or criticism, I've got a thicker skin than anyone. I never doubted I'd be back. I went to see the best surgeon in the world (Colorado-based Dr Richard Steadman). I had the best rehabilitation you could ever ask for and between my ears is the willpower and a strong mind to come back better than ever. I don't think anyone can say I've come back worse than before." Michael Owen is full of praise for the contribution of fellow England forward Emile Heskey, whose deft flick set him up for the second decisive goal against the Russians. He said: "Emile has played really well. He has come back from a long time out of the England team. In both games he played particularly well. A standing ovation in both games when he came off said it all. I'm really pleased for him. I don't think anyone becomes a bad player overnight no matter what people say - but everyone knows what it is like with England." SBGglobal.com has posted English Premier League betting odds on Newcastle Utd vs Derby County at 3:00 PM EST:                        |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 September 2007 ) | |||||||
Michael Owen believes his mental strength was the key to spurring him on to regain the form which made him England's deadliest finisher of the modern era. Michael Owen scored three goals in the two recent Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia. After finally overcoming a knee ligament injury and in doing so became only the fourth player to score 40 goals for his country after Jimmy Greaves, Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker. SBGglobal.com has Michael Owen's