Owen back on international duty

Allen takes charge of Foxes

Houllier quits Lyon

Michael Owen makes his first international appearance since he was injured in last summer’s World Cup. The Newcastle United striker played in the whole game as England B beat Albania 3-1 at Burnley. Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing bags a brace after Alan Smith of Manchester United - in his first international outing for 19 months - nets the opener. With vital Euro 2008 qualifiers coming up in the next few weeks, coach Steve McClaren is delighted by Owen’s return: “Michael’s overall performance was very good, it was just the goal, the icing on the cake that was missing.”

Martin Allen is appointed the new manager of Leicester City. The former Barnet and Brentford boss leaves Milton Keynes Dons after a year in charge at the National Hockey Stadium. Foxes chairman Milan Mandaric said:

“This is a significant appointment as the club prepares for widespread changes that will bring on-field underachievement to an end. I needed someone with hunger, drive, commitment and potential to aspire to our dreams and Martin ticked the boxes. His undoubted ability is matched only by his infectious enthusiasm which will inspire the club. Last season’s campaign was painfully unacceptable and significant investment in the first team is a priority. Martin’s arrival is the first of many.”

The 41 year-old replaces Rob Kelly who was sacked last month.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier sparks speculation about a return to the Premiership after he unexpectedly quits his job as head coach at Lyon. The 59-year-old Frenchman admits that coming back to England is a possibility, but not yet:

“I need a break, full stop. I will not go to another club in France and initially not to a foreign club. I am firstly going to take a holiday. I need a rest. I’ve lived two exceptional years here which, in many ways, reminded me of the six years I spent at Liverpool.”

Houllier won the title and the French Super Cup in each of his two seasons at the Stade Gerland and reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2006.