Newcastle's Owen plays for first time since last June

LONDON, Apr 30 (Reuters) Newcastle United striker Michael Owen played for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in today's Premier League match at Reading.

Owen, who damaged knee ligaments in England's group stage draw with Sweden last June, was in the starting line-up in the match that kicked off at 1900 GMT.

Newcastle signed Owen from Real Madrid for 16 million pounds (31.9 million dollars) in 2005, but the striker was dogged by injury even before the World Cup.

It is just his 12th appearance for the northeast club, for whom he has scored seven goals.

REUTERS DH BST0111