Former Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand is confident Michael Owen will fulfill expectations on Tyneside.

Ferdinand, speaking at the launch of Setanta TV's new sports channels, declared: "I think most players would say, 'I'm in a position where I've been at a club for two years and not played nowhere near as many games as I should have done and the club have looked after me pretty well.'

"Most players would want to give something back and I am sure that's how Michael is thinking.

"Michael will score goals in the Premier League, especially if he is playing with the right strike partner.

"A fit Michael Owen, playing week-in and week-out, is always going to score goals. The supporters at Newcastle will be looking at him to see if he is giving his all.

"They will not question his pedigree - they know he can score goals - it's whether they believe he's giving the effort."

Ferdinand added: "It doesn't matter who you are, Sam is not afraid to have a go at big personalities when he needs to.

"He will do that at Newcastle if and when he needs to. What Newcastle have needed is a manager with a big personality and Sam has that."