Michael Owen: I’m not expecting an easy ride at Stoke City

Michael Owen has acknowledged that he will have to fight for his place in Stoke City’s first-team this season.

The 32-year-old completed a free transfer to the Potters on Wednesday after being released by Manchester United back in May.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis already has Peter Crouch, Cameron Jerome, and Jonathan Walters among his attacking options, and Owen admitted he will have to prove his worth to the Stoke boss.

“There are many strikers at the club, I’m not expecting it to be an easy ride,” Owen told Stoke’s website.

“I’ll have to work, obviously, to play any part. I’m prepared to do that.

“There are a lot of top players at the club, so I’m hopefully going to fit in well with the squad and have a good season.”

The former Liverpool striker, who has signed a one-year deal at the Britannia Stadium, revealed his excitement at the chance to work under Pulis.

“I met the manager two or three months ago. We were singing from the same hymn sheet in many ways.

“It is important to have a healthy respect for your manager and understand what he wants and different things. I feel as if I’ll get that here with Tony Pulis.

“We had a good chat and it’s just a shame it took a few months after that before I signed.

“But anyway, we’re here now and I’m looking forward to it.”

Owen added: “Looking from outside, Stoke have done particularly well since the introduction to the Premier League, regularly coming mid-table, give or take a few places.

“I think everyone’s objectives at the start of the season – unless you are Man Utd, Chelsea etc – is to get 40 points as soon as you can and to secure your status, and then for a club on the up like this, to try to aim as high as possible.”

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