Owen fit for Everton clash

Stoke striker Michael Owen has confirmed he will be fit in time for their Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday.

Owen has not played since October as a result of groin and hamstring injuries, and has made only four substitute appearances since his move to the Britannia Stadium in September.

But after overcoming his recent injuries, the former England international insists he is now ready to fight for a starting spot in the first-team.

“I am healthy and raring to go,” Owen said. “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.”