Owen targets substitute role

Former England international does not expect to be able to recover in time to start any games this season but is determined to be ready if he is needed off the bench in a pinch.Manchester United striker Michael Owen has not given up hope of playing an important role in his side's run-in, during the remaining weeks of the Premier League season.After dropping points at home to Everton last weekend, United's lead at the top was cut to three points, with a trip to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Monday set to be decisive.Owen has not played since November and, though he does not expect to start any more games this campaign, he is determined to be ready if called upon."I can't imagine myself getting back and starting in the 11," he told MUTV."My mindset has got to be get myself ready mentally, physically and everything else because I might be needed for 10 or 20 minutes at a late stage of the season."Who knows? It could be the last game of the season at Sunderland. I might have built up enough, whether playing in a reserve game or two, and then that's fine.:But I think the immediate thing is to get myself mentally ready, just in case the manager says, 'I'll put you on the bench' or whatever and I'll come on for 15 minutes and try to nick a goal if we're struggling."