Owen relishing new deep-lying role under Keegan
Michael Owen has played as part of a forward triumvirate in Newcastle's last three games
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Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has claimed England boss Fabio Capello "needs asking" why he is not picking Michael Owen for the national side. |  |
Tuesday, 01, Apr 2008 09:32
Michael Owen has admitted he was unsure about adapting to playing as a deep-lying forward for Newcastle United, but is enjoying the challenge.
The England international, who has played as an out-and-out striker for his entire career, is currently being employed by manager Kevin Keegan in a more withdrawn role behind a front two of Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins.
And despite admitting he was wary of the unfamiliar role at first, he said he is now very positive about the style of play the Magpies boss has insisted upon.
"Currently we're playing a certain way which the gaffer has decided and I've enjoyed it," he told Newcastle World TV.
"Everyone knows I'm a striker who scores goals, but I've enjoyed coming off [the front two] and I'm still getting into the box and scoring those goals - it's three in three with the new system."
Owen's recent goalscoring exploits have coincided with the team's upturn in form.
The last three matches have seen a draw with Birmingham City at St Andrews and back-to-back wins – the first since Keegan's return to St James' Park – over Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
And the 28-year-old forward said the results have left "a great feeling" throughout the squad, who a matter of weeks ago looked like slipping into the heart of a relegation dogfight.
"I've said all along that one day we would hopefully look back and say, 'what was all the fuss about?'," Owen explained.
"And, even though we're not definitely safe, it certainly gives us some breathing space."
Following their unbeaten run, Newcastle are now up to 12th in the Premier League table and hold a comfortable nine-point advantage over third-from-bottom Bolton Wanderers with six games remaining.