Michael Owen admits Newcastle United desperately need a win to lift confidence.

"Everything in life snowballs," said skipper Owen. "If you win it becomes a habit and if you lose it becomes a habit.

"You can see people curling up and shrinking in a way and vice-versa when you play well - you see people wanting the ball and making angles.

"It's never been any different. I've been in teams that are low on confidence and in teams that are flying high and feeling invincible.

"Once confidence goes it's hard to get out of that rut.

"We need some confidence - it is lower than a snake's belly at the moment."