Newcastle skipper admits Monday night's clash with represents an "acid test" of their Premier League survival hopes.The Magpies will run out against Pompey at St James' Park still three points adrift of safety and knowing they will probably have to win their three remaining home games if they are to avoid the drop.
That is exactly the target manager Alan Shearer has set his players after a return of just one point from the nine they have contested under him to date.
That run of fixtures has included tough games against at home and in-form Tottenham at White Hart Lane, but Owen knows the fightback must begin in earnest on Monday.
The 29-year-old said: "It's great to see him back. He has brought a new lease of life to the fans and to certain members of the playing staff as well.
"We are all obviously desperate for a win. He came in - a bit like when Kevin Keegan came in and we had away in the first two games in the cup and in the league - and we have had a couple of tough games since the manager came in.
"But this is a game on Monday now that we are probably expected to win, so it is probably our acid test.
"We need to win, there's no two ways about it. We need to get the three points."
