The 29-year-old has targeted Saturday's trip to the KC Stadium since the early days of his recovery from the ankle ligament problem which sidelined him at the end of January.

He returned to training around 10 days ago and caretaker boss Chris Hughton today confirmed he will be involved in a game which could have a major say in the club's Barclays Premier League survival.

Hughton, who saw Owen strike seven times in the final nine games of last season to help stave off relegation, is hoping he can do the same this time around in a tense 10-game run-in.

Indeed, he believes even the presence of his name on the team sheet will give the club a huge boost.

Hughton said: "It's a massive lift. He is our club captain, he is a player with a wonderful goalscoring record and ability, so for everybody just to have him back on board, it gives us all a lift.

"One thing we have continually said is what we wanted to do is have a stronger bench. A stronger bench means a stronger team and also competition for places.

"That being the case, to have someone like Michael back involved in the squad is a lift for everybody."

Whether or not Owen will start at Hull after a five-game absence remains to be seen, but he will play some part against the Tigers with the Magpies hovering above the drop zone only on goal difference as a result of Blackburn's victory at Fulham last night.

Hughton said: "Michael will be involved. The decision on the team will be left until tomorrow, but Michael has had a good week and a half's training under his belt.

"He has trained very, very well and it is a massive bonus to have him back involved again.

"That will be a decision we will make over the next day. It is about playing the right team against a good Hull side on the back of a big win for them, so that will be a decision which is made over the next day or so.

"But the important thing is that we have got him back involved and he stays fit and helps us in these last 10 games of the season."

Newcastle need to address their poor form quickly, having won just one out of their 10 league games.

Midfielder Nicky Butt said: "It's been a bad season, we know that, but there's no point feeling sorry for ourselves.

"All we can do is concentrate on getting as many points as we can. We can't worry about how bad it is or what other teams do.

"We just need to get as many points as we can."

Meanwhile, 20-year-old striker Andy Carroll has vowed to play his part in the battle for top-flight survival after signing a new three-and-a-half-year contract.

The Gateshead-born youngster, who made his senior debut in a UEFA Cup tie against Palermo in November 2006 and opened his goalscoring account against West Ham in January, had earlier rejected an initial five-year offer.

Carroll said: "I'm over the moon to get my future sorted and there was never any doubt I would sign a new deal.

"This is where I want to play my football and this season has been a dream for me.

"I came into the side earlier in the year and scored twice in six games.

"My first goal for my home town club was amazing, and I hope to score many more in the future.

"But my immediate aim is to get back in the team and help us stay in the Premier League."