NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have received a huge boost with the news that key forward Michael Owen could be fit for Saturday's Heineken Cup tie against Newcastle at Rodney Parade.

Owen is improving rapidly after damaging his back last week and says he feels a lot better. It was a big scare when Owen initially suffered a recurrence of the back problem which kept him out of last year's World Cup.

It was feared he would be out for months rather than weeks, but a scan on Friday and further tests yesterday revealed the injury is not that serious after all and he will now have intensive treatment all this week in an effort to be fit for the Newcastle game.

"Michael is continuing to have treatment this week and we are hopeful he will be available for selection this week," said Dragons team manager Jim McCreedy.

If Owen does make it coach Chris Anderson will have to decide whether to play him at lock or number eight. But he seems to prefer the lock option with Richard Bryan at number eight alongside skipper Jason Forster and Jamie Ringer.

Anderson will also have to make a decision on Hal Luscombe, who is returning from a damaged shoulder. Someone will have to make way, though much depends on whether Nathan Brew, who missed the Borders game, is fit. It could even be that Luscombe will be eased back on the bench.

The Dragons have been listed at 20-1 to win the Heineken Cup by bookmakers Jack Brown, joint favourites among the Welsh teams with Neath-Swansea Ospreys. Llanelli Scarlets, who have slipped badly this season, are at 40-1, with Cardiff Blues way down the list at 250-1.

Toulouse are favourites at 5-1 followed by Munster at 6-1 and Stade Francais and holders Wasps both at 15-2.

The Dragons are rated 2-1 to win their group behind favourites Perpignan at 4-5 but ahead of Newcastle at 4-1 and Edinburgh 33-1.

England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson, Newcastle's joint captain, has played down criticism of his form since returning from a serious arm injury and insists he is now injury free.

"I'm always looking to improve my game, I'm never that happy with the way I'm playing. But I want more game time," he said. I'm getting more confident with each game, I'm enjoying playing and I'm fitter and fresher than I've ever been.

"My shoulder and neck are better than they've ever been, the problem I had recently was with the bicep on my right arm. I've taken a few hits on exactly the same place, it's not serious but just quite unfortunate and quite painful.

"The neck and shoulder are up to anything and by the Autumn Tests I fully expect to be on top of it and raring to go."