Source: Telegraph
Newcastle's Michael Owen backing himself to bag the goals
The Newcastle skipper has not hit the back of the net in his last eight games but remains optimistic that he will be able to convert any chances that come his way between now and the end of the season. [LNB]Owen represents Newcastle's best chance of fighting their way out of the relegation zone and the prospect of Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins joining him in attack will bolster his chances of hitting the goal trail again when Portsmouth visit St James' Park on Monday. [LNB] Related ArticlesShearer backs Owen to fireOwen backed to rediscover formShearer hoping Barton can save NewcastleNewcastles Michael Owen backed to safeguard Alan Shearers rescue bidKeegan: Michael Owen will prosper for countryNewcastles Nicky Butt eyes hat-trick at Tottenham to aid relegation battleOwen, 29, might have his critics but Newcastle manager Alan Shearer still has every faith in the £17 million player's penalty box prowess. [LNB]"It's nice when people say nice things about you," Owen said. "But regardless, I will wake up in the morning and know where I stand in terms of my performances, my standing in the game, the goals I will score given the opportunities and everything else. [LNB]"I have been around a long time now and everyone knows if I get chances, then I will score goals. [LNB]"Stats are there and people will say eight games and all that. But one of the games, I came off after two minutes, I did my ankle, the next one, I came on for 10 minutes coming back. [LNB]"You can straight away narrow it down to five or six games before you even start. [LNB]"You go on a good scoring run and everyone will twist them into your favour as well. [LNB]"I am a bit long in the tooth for all that rubbish, but it's certainly a game that I could do with finding the goalscoring touch. [LNB]"I have always said if I am given the chances, then I am totally confident I will put them away." [LNB]Second-bottom Newcastle have five games left to avoid relegation and Owen is bullish about their survival prospects. [LNB]"A few of the teams around us have got tough games and we have got a home game against a team that are in the bottom half as well, so it is a massive game," Owen added. [LNB]"We have to win it and if we do win and we are only a point behind, then I would really fancy our chances." [LNB]
