Owen’s kidding around at Stoke

MICHAEL OWEN was as giddy as a kid on their first day at school before his debut training session with Stoke.

The England legend, 32, headed off to the Potters’ Clayton Wood HQ after dropping his own children off at the school gates.

Excited Owen said: “I was taking my son back to school for the first day and one of my daughters is going to school for her first day.

“I said to them, ‘It’s like we’re all going to school for the first time today’!

“That’s how it feels as I’m meeting a lot of new people. I’ve done it before and it will take me a bit to meet everyone and bed in but I’m looking forward to it.”

The former Manchester United and Liverpool striker will spend his first 72 hours at the club being put through his paces to assess his level of fitness.

Owen added: “I want to get going as soon as possible. I feel fine but it’s important we do it right.

“The only downside has been missing pre-season but I’ve done as much as I can at home.

“I’ve come here in decent shape but I’ll need to catch up a bit.”

Owen is also delighted to be teaming up again with his old Three Lions pal Peter Crouch.

The 5ft 8in star made 16 appearances for England alongside 6ft 7in beanpole Crouch.

Owen said: “People are talking about me and Peter but there are other good strikers at the club.

“I’m not expecting an easy ride, I’ll have to work hard to play any part and I’m prepared to do that.”