Soccer: Newcastle's Owen plays for first time since June

LONDON - Newcastle United striker Michael Owen played for the first time since the 2006 soccer World Cup in Monday's Premier League match at Reading.

Owen, who damaged knee ligaments in England's group stage draw with Sweden last June, was in the starting line-up.

Newcastle signed Owen from Real Madrid for £16 million ($43.77 million) in 2005, but the striker was dogged by injury even before the World Cup.

It is just his 12th appearance for the northeast club, for whom he has scored seven goals.

- REUTERS