A BULLISH Michael Owen insists he didn't feel there was any burden of expectation hanging over him going in to Newcastle's Premier League clash with Wigan at the weekend.

Owen scored his first Premier League goal at St James' Park in nearly two years when he powered home Obafemi Martins' cross three minutes from time. The goal, added to his scuffed effort in Wednesday's Carling Cup second round tie against Barnsley, means he has now scored in consecutive matches - something he hasn't done since netting against Blackburn and Manchester City in September 2005.

But while most people felt the Newcastle striker was under extreme pressure to start finding the net again, Owen says he was always confident the goals would flow again.

"The goal was probably a relief for the team and every connected Newcastle but not for myself," said the 27-year-old striker who has now netted nine league and cup goals in 18 outings for the club.

"I know that I will get chances throughout my career and I will score some and miss some. I will score more than I miss but I thought (Saturday) was going to be one of those days as I'm sure everyone else did.

"I missed two chances in the first half and had a goal that I was told was a good goal disallowed. We missed a few chances and hit the crossbar so everyone would have been forgiven for thinking it was going to be one of those days, but thankfully Oba (Martins) produced a great cross and I managed to nip in front of the defender.

"You've got to be confident the goals will come. You don't get into the position of being a centre forward and scoring many goals if you're a pessimist.

"You have always got to play to the last minute and always think there is going to be another chance.

"Even if you miss ten chances in a game you've always got to have the balls to get in the position again to go and score because that's what you've got to do."

Owen joins his England colleagues today to prepare for their forthcoming European Championship qualifiers with Israel and Russia next week. And after finding the back of the net for his club side the former Liverpool and Real Madrid front man is targeting more of the same for his country.

He added: "Hopefully I can help myself to a few more goals in my next couple of games. That's always the plan.

"Every time I step on to a pitch I'm always looking to score goals and play well.

"I didn't think it was going to happen (on Saturday) but thankfully it did in the end and its always nice to leave on a good note.

"There are a quite a few lads on international duty and it's always nice to go in a positive frame on mind because there are a couple of big games coming up for England. It's great to go with a victory for Newcastle."