Michael Owen admits he's enjoying the system being employed by Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan.

Owen is relishing his role as a playmaker, although his poaching instincts have resulted in a goal in each game he has featured 'in the hole' between Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins.

"Currently we're playing a certain way which the gaffer has decided and I've enjoyed it," he said.

"Everyone knows I'm a striker who scores goals, but I've enjoyed coming off and I'm still getting into the box and scoring those goals - it's three in three with the new system.

"It's good to have a link-up and, especially away from home when you're under the cosh, it's nice for the lads at the back and in midfield to have an outlet and that's my role at the moment."

Keegan stated afterwards that Newcastle can start looking up the table now, raising the possibility of a top-half finish in the Barclays Premier League.

He also suggested there may not be the need for radical changes to the squad in the summer.

Owen added on Newcastle World TV: "I've said all along that one day we would hopefully look back and say 'what was all the fuss about?'.

"And, even though we're not definitely safe, it certainly gives us some breathing space."