Woodgate backing Owen to succeed

Jonathan Woodgate believes Real Madrid will not suffer from losing Michael Owen but is confident his former team-mate’s move to Newcastle United will be a success.

The arrival of Julio Baptista and Robinho effectively pushed Owen out of Madrid, and he joined Newcastle just before the transfer deadline for £16m (€23m).

And although Owen has already begun to repay Newcastle’s huge investment by scoring two goals in his first three games for the Magpies, Woodgate believes Madrid’s new arrivals have the quality to compensate for his departure.

“He is a great player and could play in any team in the world,” Woodgate, who joined from Newcastle in the summer of 2004 but only recently made his Real debut, told Punto Radio.

“Newcastle have signed a fantastic player, but Real Madrid have also signed great players for Michael Owen’s position.

“Owen scored a lot of goals for us last season, but I think we can replace him this season and that we will continue to score goals with the new players.”

Woodgate added it was the desire to play regular football which proved the key factor in Owen’s decision to leave the Primera Liga.

“All players want to play in every game and especially with a World Cup coming along,” he said.

“He wants to play in the World Cup but knew he was not going to play all of the games and that is why he decided to return to England.

“I hope he helps to make Newcastle great.”