Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits Michael Owen is desperate to get going at the Brit.
Potters boss Pulis has been pleased with the 32-year-old in training, but suggested Owen is not yet ready to start a game.
Pulis said: "Michael has trained ever so well over the last couple of days. He is desperate to get going.
"But he needs a lot more football. He has done a lot of work by himself, fitness-wise, but playing games is a lot different from just running."