Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan believes Michael Owen has "won new respect" over the way he has handled a new deeper role this season.

"Maybe with three or four new signings we can play a different way and Michael can go back [to his old role] but everything he has said stresses that he has enjoyed his new role and it's a challenge," said Keegan. "Everything is a challenge to Michael, whether it's head tennis, darts or fitness tests. He's that type of guy. He has won a lot of respect from people who thought that he was just a goalscorer."