Owen Terms - No Pay Cut!

Owen earns in the region of £120,000 a week at Newcastle, whose owners are attempting to exercise wage restraint. Negotiations are continuing and remain positive in tone, but at an age when he should be reaching his peak - in spite of his recent history of injuries - Owen expects his present terms to be extended.

Owen: "The end of the season was great.

"When I get into a rhythm and I'm playing regularly it's fine, but since I've been here it's been stop-start, with a lot of injuries. It's probably been the first time in my career it's been like that.

"I had a few problems earlier on with hamstring problems, but it's been major things since I've been at Newcastle - six operations and none prior - so it was nice to finally get into a nice rhythm and score a few goals. That'll continue as long as I get on the pitch.

"Towards the end of last season we beat Sunderland 2-0 and went seven games unbeaten and there was a real feel-good factor about the squad. We were buzzing. It was a cracking run. Hopefully we can begin the new season in the same way as we ended the last one.

"We have quite a small squad, but a close-knit one and one with a lot of quality. It's a lovely honour to lead the team out."