There was no international recall for United hotshot Michael Owen yesterday as Fabio Capello again decided to overlook the dimunitive ace.

His impressive pre-season form and public statements of hope that he would revive his international career at United had prompted rumours that the 29-year-old forward would be earning a recall for England's friendly with Holland next week.

But this has not been the case. Instead the former Liverpool star's international drought continues. The ace, who hasn't featured for his country in over 18 months, and he must now be privately wondering if he will indeed add to his 89 caps at all.

His boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently stated that an international recall would have to be earned by the player rather than kit being handed on a plate, and it seems Capello has deemed his performances as not worthy.

The ex-Madrid man spurned a number of good chances against Los Che, in United's recent friendly, which was watched by the Italian born supremo. But the goal machine will be hopeful that a string of impressive displays for Ferguson's charges will force Capello's hand in future.