Owen deserves place in World Cup squad: Ferguson

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson strongly believes that Michael Owen deserves a place in England coach Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

The striker's hat-trick not only helped United beat Wolfsburg 3-1 to reach the Champions League last 16 as Group B winners, but also impressed Ferguson in a big way.

"As Michael has proved many times, he is one of the best strikers around," The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying.

Owen has started just eight games for United this season. But Ferguson believes performances like last night's will see him push for a regular place.

"Absolutely. At the end of the day, the evidence is always on the football field and Michael has given plenty tonight," he said.

A humble Owen attributed United's team effort for victory against Wolfsburg.

"Me getting three goals will grab the headlines but it was a great team performance," he said.

Ferguson switched to a 3-5-2 formation and played midfielders Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick alongside Patrice Evra at the centre of defence.

And there was good news on the injury front for Ferguson.

The United boss revealed Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov will be fit for Saturday's home game against Aston Villa.