Owen to miss Sunderland clash

Owen is struggling with a groin injury he suffered in training earlier this month.

“Michael, unfortunately, will not be fit in time for Sunderland and, of course, that’s a blow to lose a striker of his calibre,” Kinnear told the club’s official website.

But Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez could return from a broken collarbone.

“As far as Gutierrez is concerned, I would say he is 50-50,” Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle.

“However, we are prepared to give him every chance.

“I will assess him over the next 24 hours as to whether he starts from the bench or not.

“I love the look of him in training and look forward to seeing him in action.”