By IANS
London : Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka cannot wait to link up with new teammate Michael Owen, who indicated Thursday he would be staying on in Tyneside despite recent speculation he could leave St James’ Park.
Viduka, a free transfer from Middlesbrough, is currently on Asian Cup duty with Australia, but he admits the prospect of lining up alongside England international Owen next season is one he is relishing.
The Australian told Newcastle’s official website: “It’s really great news that Michael has said that he will be staying at Newcastle because he has got to be one of the best forwards in the business.
“He’s got a great goal-scoring record, especially at international level for England.
“He’s had some rotten luck with injuries recently at Newcastle but by the sounds of it, he will be back to his best when the new season starts and I’m sure he will be wanting to make up for lost time.
“The fact he’s said he’s going to stay at Newcastle has got to be brilliant for the fans and the team. He’s a player I’ve always admired and I can’t wait to play with him for Newcastle.”
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce currently has a five-strong pool of strikers with Owen, Viduka, Obafemi Martins, Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll.
But the prospect of a Viduka-Owen partnership is one that will excite both the fans at St James’ Park and the former Boro frontman.
Viduka said: “He (Owen) is obviously a very different player to me, but I would like to think that if selected, we would be able to complement each other very well and create a successful partnership.
“I can’t wait to get going in the Premiership with Newcastle.
“There is no reason we shouldn’t have a successful season under Allardyce. I’m sure that exciting times are just around the corner.”
And fellow summer signings Joey Barton and David Rozehnal are settling in well after their training trip to Austria.
The 24-year-old former Manchester City midfielder and the Czech international defender, 27, got to know their Magpies teammates during a training camp at Stegersbach.
Allardyce’s players are due back to work after being given a couple of days off following their exertions on the continent. Another recruit, Geremi, is due to join them.
The manager was delighted with the way Barton and Rozehnal fitted in as he set about establishing a new ethos at St James’ Park.
He said: “Joey and David seemed to fit in very well. I think they are probably two opposites – Joey likes to do a lot of talking and David keeps himself to himself – but they mingled well in the end.”
The Magpies begin their pre-season fixtures with the short trip to League One neighbours Hartlepool Tuesday and host Scottish champions Celtic nine days later.