Michael Owen’s Real Madrid career got off to a flying start just six days before he will be involved with England for our opening World Cup qualifier in Austria.

Owen came on for the injured Raul after 25 minutes and had a big impact on Madrid’s 1-0 win in Mallorca.

He came close with a flying header in the first half, and then delivered a perfect cross after half-time which Ronaldo chested in for the winner.

After that, he might even have got on the score-sheet himself – being denied by one last-ditch tackle and then going over with an ambitious volley.

Ronaldo was among the so-called galacticos impressed with Michael.

"He demonstrated he is a player of great quality and speed," said the Brazilian superstar. "It is great to have a player like him available."

Owen was happy with his start. "Setting up Ronaldo was the next best thing to scoring," he said.

Lion of the Season - Nominations so far

Michael Owen 1
Alan Smith 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1