Magpies lack confidence: Owen

Newcastle skipper Michael Owen, seen here on February 3, has admitted that the club's confidence is low as the Magpies look to secure a first win under Kevin Keegan at home to Blackburn on Saturday.

Newcastle skipper Michael Owen has admitted that the club's confidence is low as the Magpies look to secure a first win under Kevin Keegan at home to Blackburn on Saturday.

Keegan's return to the club has not sparked a resurgence after a mediocre first half of the season under predecessor Sam Allardyce and the Geordies are now just six points above the relegation zone.

"Confidence isn't at its best," striker Owen, 28, told BBC Radio 5 Live. "There is nervousness throughout the side.

"We need a win and the sooner the better. As soon as we get that I think confidence will come flooding back."

But Owen insists the club is not panicking in the run-in to the end of the campaign.

"We've got an awful lot of games left and we aren't in the relegation zone at the moment," said the England forward.

"We're not at panic stations but we are obviously well aware we need to get a result - and fast."