LONDON. Nov 10: Michael Owen will partner Alan Shearer in the England attack against Scotland

on Saturday if he can prove his match fitness in the build-up to the Euro 2000 play-off, coach Kevin Keegan said on Tuesday, reports ArP.

A question mark still surrounds Liverpool striker Owen, who has suffered five months of hamstring problems and that could open the door for in-form understudies Andy Cole and Kevin Phillips.

"It's really a case of if Michael's fully fit then there , has to be a place in the England "side for him because he gives you something." said Keegan.

"If you talk about him being IW percent by Saturday, then in himself, yes 1 think he will be. He's a young lad and he’s very fit.

"But If you're talking about being match-fit then that's where your slight doubt comes in because he hasn't played that many games."

Owen himself is desperate to play.

"I've got no problems at all with my fitness.” he said. "My hamstrings are totally cleared up and I'm not getting any stiffness or problems afterwards. "It's a massive match and one that I’d hate to miss."

Keegan was enjoying the novel experience of having a full squad at his disposal as the England players gathered ahead of tne two-legged play-off.

For the first time since Keegan took over from Glenn Hod-die as England manager, his squad all reported for training at the team's headquarters on Monday.

Several players did not train with the 24-man squad on Tuesday but Keegan is confident that they will ail be available for selection for the first leg at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Keegan said: "For the first time ever everyone has reported in and everyone has the chance to play against Scotland.

"Some players didn’t train today but as long as they train by Thursday there should be no problems."

Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman and Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour were among those not training and Keegan admitted both needed to put in some work to be fully match-fit In time for the weekend.

England captain Shearer. Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp and Arsenal centrehalf Martin Keown also missed training, while Keown's clubmate Tony Adams was involved for only half the session.

Manchester United striker Cole was another absentee after suffering a kick to his calf.

But Keegan added: "As long as Andy trains by Thursday he will be fine. He doesn’t miss matches. When he gets kicked he comes back quickly."

Keegan will not name his team until much nearer kickoff for the vital play-off ties which will decide which of the home nations goes forward to next year's finals in the Netherlands and Belgium.