Michael Owen delighted to open Stoke City account

Michael Owen has said that he is relieved to have scored his first goal for Stoke City on Saturday.

The 33-year-old was on target for the Potters in their 3-1 away defeat to Swansea City in the Premier League to notch up his 150th strike in the English top flight.

"It's obviously nice to do it - I did fear that I would never get there," Owen told the club's official website.

"You do worry and think that it just isn't meant to be but thankfully I got there and it is another good achievement for me. It was a nice way to score my first goal for the club, in certain ways.

"It is now just a question of me doing well, training well and then taking the chance in the team when it comes along. Hopefully, the second half of the season can be a lot better for me."

Owen joined Stoke on a free transfer in September.