NEWCASTLE United skipper Michael Owen has set his sights on achieving a landmark 100 caps for his country.

The 28-year-old is now just 11 appearances shy of the milestone mark and that figure could soon become nine following his inclusion in Fabio Capello's squad for the summer friendlies with the USA and Trinidad & Tobago.

But Owen, who started in each of the Magpies' final 20 fixtures last season, admits that he will need to stay injury-free if he is to join an elite band of players which now includes team-mate David Beckham.

"Well obviously it would be a very proud moment if I was ever lucky enough to get 100 caps," he told Sky Sports.

"The two elements are staying fit and being in good form and if you do them two, then I would be hopeful one day I can get it.

"It sounds nothing - 11 caps to go - but at international level that is either a year-and-a-half or two years so it isn't easy and that puts David's 100 caps and achievement into perspective. He has been fantastic."

Owen burst on to the international scene aged just 18 and made headlines during the 1998 World Cup following his wonder strike against Argentina in St.Etienne.

The wonderkid was soon being tipped to break Sir Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record of 49 and, ten years on, he finds himself just nine short of the Ashington-born forward's total.

And, of his quest to become his country's greatest ever goalscorer, Owen added: "Again it is something that is a long way off, but being on 40, although I wouldn't say it is an easy target, realistically there is a chance if I play regularly over the next two or three years.

"There is half a chance that I could get close to it.

"It's quite a tough one but maybe achievable.

"They almost interlink [caps and goals] if I can stay fit and stay in the team and play well I might have a chance."

Check out Newcastle World TV this summer as we bring you our "Toon-Mates Summer Special" ... See the likes of Michael Owen, Nicky Butt, Steven Taylor, Habib Beye, Steve Harper, James Milner and even gaffer Kevin Keegan, coach Terry McDermott and Geordie legend Alan Shearer talk about their plans for the summer, favourite pastimes, tips for Euro 2008, best friends at the club and much, much more ... Visit the World section on the nufc.co.uk homepage to sign-up today ...