For the first time Sam Allardyce, Newcastle's boss has met striker Michael Owen face to face since his appointment, it was understood that the pair held a talk at the England B team Hotel on Wednestday evenning as Owen prepared for Friday's friendly against Albania at Turf Moor. the 27 year old striker was away in ireland when Allardyce appeared in his face at St james park. the pair have now had the chance to open discussions, since they had only talked on telephone before. After spending 10 months on the sidelines fighting his way back to full fitness, Owen who is newcastle's signing record when he joined from real madrid in a £17 million move in August 2005, will play his first game for his country on friday night.