Owen's Ambition In Black And White

Owen: "It's never been a goal of mine of mine before to stay fit, but I suppose after these last two years, I want to play a full season.

"I don't consider myself injury prone. I have played a lot of games throughout my career for club and country and it's frustrating that my injuries have happened at Newcastle.

"I'm definitely going into this season as strong as I have been for a long, long time and I don't envisage any problems.

"If I'm fit, everyone knows I will score goals. I have done that all my life.

"We have new owners, a new manager and new players. Usually if you just get one of the three there is a buzz, but we have a treble celebration.

"I'm sure the manager will buy more players before the start of the season and things are looking good at the moment.

"It's frustrating because I was away with England for three weeks, then I went to Dubai for a week and then to a couple of weddings.

"When I got back, everyone was telling me I had been on the back pages, but I have never said one bad word about Newcastle United and I have always said that I've enjoyed it up here.

"I have got a house up here and the kids are in school and we are happy, and it's nice to put that straight.

"Viduka in particular is a great transfer for us. I have admired Mark for a long time now.

"He's certainly a player the lads are excited about having in the squad and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"He looks like an unselfish player and I would not like to play against him if I was a defender."