Stoke City striker Peter Crouch says new teammate Michael Owen is already flying in training.

Owen endured the dreaded beep test on his first day.

Crouch, who hopes at some point to team up with his former England team-mate against Manchester City today, said: "Michael arrived from Manchester United during the international break, so was spared any initiation tests.

"The only special 'present' he received on his first day was the bleep test.

"The fitness boys really worked him to assess what kind of shape he was in.

"The manager and coaching staff had to know what he was capable of before they throw him in. To be fair, he looked very sharp.

"He has been out a long time and didn't have a normal pre-season under his belt. But he looked good to me and, if we get a fully fit Michael Owen on a free transfer, it's some deal for Stoke.

"We haven't made him sing or do anything silly yet. But we signed a lot of new boys this summer so maybe it's time we got our heads together and dreamed up something for them!"