Hamstring injury rules Michael Owen out for the season

Manchester United striker Michael Owen’s season is over as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered during the Carling Cup final last Sunday.

The 30-year-old needs surgery to repair the damage and will not feature again this campaign, ending any slim hope he had of breaking into Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Though Owen was not a regular on Alex Ferguson’s team, he managed to chip in with nine goals in 31 appearances, including a clinical finish to level the Cup final last weekend.

"It's a bad blow - he's out for the season,” said Ferguson at a press conference.

“Unfortunately it's more serious than we thought. He will be operated on Monday morning.

"It's a terrible blow for the lad and is disappointing news for us too. He has never missed a training session all season."

Many complaints have been made about the playing surface at Wembley, with Aston Villa midfielder James Milner saying the surface was not one that did English national team justice.

"I think the heavy pitch at Wembley on Sunday made some contribution to it but really it is just bad luck," added Ferguson.

Owen signed a two-year deal with United last July and has vowed to be in top shape for next season.