Ahead of England's upcoming European Championship qualifier against Montenegro on October 8, Ferguson believes his second-string striker could crack the England XI.

The former Liverpool striker came on for the Red Devils in the 11th minute of their clash against Stoke City, when Javier Hernandez had to be taken off injured following Jonathan Woodgate's tackle.

The 31-year-old took the opportunity to underline his value to the club's cause as United carved out a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium, while he also scored a brace in mid-week in their 3-0 Carling Cup thrashing of Championship side Leeds.

The Scot said the experienced forward could also have a role to play for the Three Lions.

"If you need a goal out of nothing there’s no one better in the game," Ferguson said.

"England don't have anyone like that. He’s got it, there’s no doubt about that. Let’s be honest, Michael has that little gift that he can appear in the box from nowhere."

"He’s not got that burst of pace he had as a younger ¬person, you always lose pace."

"But Michael has the ¬positional sense – it’s brilliant. He has the awareness around the box and the ability to make runs at the right time and get across the ¬defender."

"He’s also good to have about the dressing room. He is a nice ¬person, a good professional and trains ¬really well."

Owen recently said that he wants to play regularly for United, and would be unhappy if he did not get that opportunity.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has hinted that he might rest the in-form Wayne Rooney for the upcoming Champions League clash against Basel.

"With Michael it’s getting to that point where you say to yourself you really need to think about him more," he said.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp dismissed Ferguson's claims, stating that a recall for the 89-time capped player would be highly unlikely.

"I’d be surprised (if Owen was called up). No disrespect. I like Michael. He is a great lad and good player," Redknapp said.

"But to get two goals in the Carling Cup, which gets you back in the England team? I can’t really see that one."

"He is still way down the pecking order at United, I would have thought. (Danny) Welbeck, the Mexican boy (Javier Hernandez), Rooney, (Dimitar) Berbatov are all in front of him."