Michael Owen insists he's as hungry as ever to succeed at Stoke City.

The Stoke striker is preparing for his return to Anfield to face Liverpool tomorrow.

Former England star Owen, 32, said: "Some can come to terms with the change when they retire and go on to have a second successful career.

"But some go the other way and turn to alcohol or drugs and get depressed. When I hang up my boots I won't be sitting around wondering what to do next but, until then, I am as hungry as I've ever been.

"I look at Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs and marvel at the way they have adapted their game over time."