Michael Owen back in full training

Stoke City forward Michael Owen has revealed that he is close to returning to action following a hamstring injury.

The 32-year-old, who has played just 53 minutes for the Potters since joining on a free transfer in August, has not featured at all since October 27.

He was put through a gruelling personal fitness session ahead of Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham at the Britannia Stadium.

"I'm back in full training," said Owen. "The physios and the medical team were up at the stadium for Saturday's match, so I trained there.

"They made me run up every stairway at the ground. It was a hard old session."

Owen could make his return when Stoke host Newcastle United on Wednesday.