The 28-year-old striker ended last season with a flurry of goals, seven of them in his final nine games for the club, after finally shaking off the injury problems that have dogged him for much of the last two campaigns.

Now a man who has scored freely for both club and country throughout his career, when fit, is hoping for another run of good health - after recovering from a bout of mumps this summer - and the rewards he is confident that would bring.

Owen said: "The end of the season was great. When I get into a rhythm and start playing regularly, it's fine.

"But since I have been here, it has been stop-start with a lot of injuries, and it is probably the first time in my career it has been like that.

"I had a few niggly problems early on with hamstrings, but I have had big, major things since I have been here - it is six operations, I think, I have had and not one prior.

"I finally got into a nice rhythm and you saw me score a few goals when I was in that rhythm, and that will continue as long as I get on the pitch and I am fine, and that's the plan."

Owen will enter the final year of his current contract at St James' Park with manager Kevin Keegan having confirmed he will remain his captain this time around.

The £17million man clearly revelled in the responsibility after being handed the armband by the new boss following his return to Tyneside in January, and produced some of his best form as Newcastle edged away from the relegation zone.

Owen told the club's official website, www.nufc.co.uk: "We had a good time of it last season, especially towards the end. There was a feel-good factor about the club and we were buzzing.

"It is quite a small squad, but it's a close-knit squad and a squad with a lot of quality, so it is a lovely honour to have.

"To lead the team out is great and we had a great end of season, beating Sunderland 2-0 and having a cracking run.

"Hopefully, we can start the season in the same vein as we ended last year."