EMBARRASSED bank bosses withdrew tongue-in-cheek adverts starring Michael Owen yesterday after his World Cup injury.
The star is pictured in one in his Northern Rock-sponsored Newcastle United shirt with a flag of St George draped over his shoulder.
The caption reads: "Can we have him back in one piece please?"
Northern Rock pulled the poster campaign yesterday to spare Owen further misery.
A spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Michael at this time. In such circumstances we feel it would be inappropriate to continue with our brand campaign and have withdrawn it."
Owen crumpled in the first minute of the 2-2 draw with Sweden on Tuesday night with a problem in his right knee.
The striker cost Newcastle £16m when he signed from Real Madrid last August.
He has played only a handful of games for the Magpies and is not now expected to play in the first half of the next Premiership season.
Northern Rock's ads also feature two other North-East sporting heroes - rugby player Jonny Wilkinson and cricketer Steve Harmison.
The grinning duo are pictured with the Ashes and Rugby World Cup facing Owen. The caption reads: "No pressure Michael."
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