Michael Owen admits he never expected to be handed the Newcastle United captaincy by manager Kevin Keegan.

Owen told nufc.co.uk: "It was a surprise when the manager first came to me with all the things going on. It was the day of the game and he mentioned it to me.

"I was delighted to do it that night but didn't know if that would continue because we had a lot of injuries and suspensions but subsequently he has come out and said if I want it, see how it goes.

"Obviously I have done it many times for England, bits and bobs here and there and I was captain in the derby against Sunderland. It is a massive honour to be captain and an excellent responsibility. At 28, I think I can cope with that and I am obviously very proud to be asked."

Owen has had a week to work with Keegan again, ahead of today's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Arsenal and he said the new manager has already made an impact.

He added: "No-one will forget the day when the manager came. It flashed up just before we were to play and it was unbelievable. The crowd's reaction and the players' reaction.

"No-one thought it was possible. We hadn't see him for quite a while so when it said he had accepted the job, everyone got quite excited.

"Training has been good. Certain things have changed. He is his own man and has his own ideas. I think everyone knows what they are and it has been good fun.

"It is a tough time for a manager to take charge with some tough fixtures on the horizon but we are looking forward to them."