Source: Daily_Mail
Returning Owen admits the obvious - Newcastle are in relegation battle
Newcastle[LNB]captain Michael Owen has finally admitted what the rest have us have known for weeks - that the Magpies are in a real relegation scrap. [LNB]The former England striker hopes to be back for next week's crucial game at Hull City. [LNB]Owen has been suffering with an ankle injury and a minor groin problem since the end of January and has pencilled in a return at the KC Stadium next Saturday. [LNB]But the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker knows he is returning to play his part in Newcastle's survival bid as they now sit just one point off the bottom three. [LNB]Owen said: 'The game at Hull City on Saturday week is at the moment shaping up to be our cup final and the other games against teams around us, Stoke City, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough could also be crucial. [LNB] Toon raider: Michael Owen (No 10) celebrates a goal at Spurs with Newcastle team-mates Mark Viduka (left) and Joey Barton[LNB]'We've got some tough games coming up but we've also got some very winnable games, games which if we do win them will put our biggest rivals in trouble. [LNB]'There is no denying that we're in the middle of a relegation scrap but myself and the lads have no doubt in our minds that we have enough quality to pull clear. [LNB]'However this is now the time when we have to stand up and be counted just like we did last year when we put together a very good seven-match unbeaten run. [LNB]'That sort of sequence is well within our capabilities and while we have some tough home fixtures in a row, which started against Manchester United and continues with Arsenal and Chelsea it is the other games against teams around us that are going to be most significant.' [LNB]Newcastle have managed just one win in 12 in all competitions and just six points out of the last 30 and their next two home games are against Arsenal and Chelsea.[LNB] ALL THE WEEKEND'S FA CUP AND BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWS[LNB]Strictly X-rated! After a wild Wednesday of shocking challenges, here are some other bone-crunching moments that left us wincing[LNB]Ferdinand's fury at Taylor in tunnel spat over Ronaldo challenge[LNB]NEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]
