Michael Owen says his fitness is improving all the time and he is hoping to be involved in Stoke's next match against Manchester United.
The striker missed out on playing for the Potters at another of his old stomping grounds, Anfield, in Sunday's goalless draw with Liverpool.
It had been one of the fixtures Owen was looking forward to when he joined Stoke last month, and he is now determined to feature at Old Trafford after the international break.
Owen is working hard to get in peak condition and is relishing the challenge of trying to break into Tony Pulis' in-form team.
"I was looking at it thinking Liverpool away and Manchester United away, it was going to be an interesting October," Owen told Sky Sports News.
"Obviously I missed the first one but I am desperate to be fit for the second one.
"The lads are playing out of their skin at the moment so it's hard to get in the team, but my fitness is coming week by week and I am really excited about the challenge ahead."
Update:
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