Owen glad to seize chance

Michael Owen admits he took to the field in Manchester United’s FA Cup win at Southampton fearing he might have to wait another three months for his next start.

He was named in Sir Alex Ferguson’s XI for the first time since October.

The 31–year–old, who was also making his full FA Cup debut for the club, has started just 15 games in total during his injury–blighted Old Trafford career.

Even when fit, the former Liverpool and England striker has found his chances few and far between, putting extra pressure on him every time he pulls on a United shirt.

So his vital equaliser came as much as a relief to the player himself as it did to the travelling fans.

“I did all right. It takes the pressure off a little bit,” he said.

With Wayne Rooney and on the on–fire Dimitar Berbatov very much Ferguson’s first–choice strikeforce at present, Owen is in a similar boat to fellow forward Javier Hernandez, who netted the winner against Southampton.

CRAWLEY Town manager Steve Evans described the moment his non–league team were paired with Manchester United in the FA Cup as “surreal”.
The Blue Square Premier outfit face a trip to Old Trafford in the fifth round next month — and Evans can’t wait.

The man has masterminded wins over Swindon Town, Derby County and Torquay to earn the West Sussex side a place in the last 16 of the competition, said: “It (playing United) was just a surreal moment.

“We got the tie that everyone in the country wants. I suppose if you are Arsene Wenger or Alex McLeish you don’t want that draw — but we did.”

Evans does not believe the tie will be one sided, adding: “We will approach it in a really positive way.

“The only non–league club capable of beating Manchester United is Crawley Town. Miracles do happen.

“This is going to be the biggest day in our lives, but we will give them the respect that Real Madrid gave them . . . the utmost respect.”