Owen substituted again in Newcastle's win over West Ham

LONDON, Sep 23 (Reuters) - England striker Michael Owen was substituted for the second successive match today in Newcastle United's 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham United.

Owen, who has returned to the Newcastle and England teams this season after missing most of last season because of injury, was replaced after 51 minutes by Obafemi Martins as a precaution against a niggling groin injury.

He also came off early in the second half of Newcastle's defeat at Derby County on Monday and the club are closely monitoring the situation before determining whether he needs a hernia operation.

Owen, who has scored five times for club and country this season, failed to find the net on Sunday but Newcastle won thanks to two goals from Mark Viduka and one from Charles N'Zogbia. Dean Ashton scored for West Ham.

Reuters TB RN2141