Owen backs Newcastle for Europe

Striker Michael Owen believes Newcastle can still qualify for Europe despite their indifferent start to the season.

The Magpies won just one of their first nine Premier League games, but back-to-back home wins over West Brom and Aston Villa have elevated them to 14th.

"We know we're a decent team and we were in a temporary position," he said.

"If we have a decent run to the end of the season, and we'd expect that with the players we have, then fifth, sixth or seventh is by no means impossible."

Owen is United's leading scorer this season with five goals, although he has not scored since netting a penalty in the 2-1 home loss to Blackburn in September.

But he believes his side will maintain their recent form when they visit Fulham on Sunday.

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"Will Newcastle qualify for Europe?"
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"With our back-to-back wins we're going there thinking we're capable of taking something from the game," said Owen, who has dropped out of the England squad under new boss Fabio Capello.

"It's still early in the season and a couple of wins shoots you up the table, the last two results have shown that.

"And we are confident we can continue to climb."

Owen also praised the stabilising influence of much-maligned interim manager Joe Kinnear.

"He has steadied the ship," he said.

"In every form of life you need to answer to one person - just to get a focal figure and know where the buck stops. Now we've got that and now we've had some good results as well."

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