Andy Cole feels Michael Owen faces a huge decision as he allows his Newcastle United contract to wind down.

Speaking about Owen's future, former Toon striker Cole told the Evening Chronicle: "It's difficult to answer.

"He is at a big club which is at a difficult stage and he has to see what the options are. He has to see what happens first before he signs a new deal. He's in a win-win situation.

"Once people get to the end of their contracts, there will always be clubs after them.

"The only way he won't be in a good situation is if he gets badly injured.

"He might stay at the end of the season. We will just have to see what happens."

Cole made his name by scoring goals galore for United and he has thrown down the gauntlet to young stars Andy Carroll, Ryan Donaldson and Nile Ranger.

He has urged them to grasp their chance if it comes.

He said: "It would be a great opportunity for any young player. Newcastle fans will always love their strikers.

"It's a tradition and no matter what happens somebody will be there to score goals and they will be loved by the crowd.

"They are genuine, good, honest people."