Allardyce: no rift over Owen

Sam Allardyce has insisted that he has not fallen out with Michael Owen over his England duties. Allardyce has found himself in the spotlight after revealing he let national boss Steve McClaren know his feelings regarding Owen's England duties.

He said: "It's just people trying to get between myself and Michael.

"The same has happened with Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez at Liverpool earlier this year - it's a common theme during the international breaks.

"For me as manager, I have 14 players away on international duty representing their countries, and for each and every one of them, all I can do is keep my fingers crossed they come back fit and well."