Michael Owen has insisted that he will keep working hard to force his way into the Stoke City first team.

The former England international has made only six appearances for the Potters this season, scoring one goal.

He says that his hunger and determination are still there, despite calls that he should retire.

"People have questioned my hunger for the last six years," Owen said in the Daily Star.

"One thing I have always been proud of though, is that I have never seen myself as a bad apple. Just because I don't come out and rock the boat, it does not mean that I don't care.

"It's quite the opposite, I do care. I don't think it's right that players should vent their frustrations in public."

Owen was an unused substitute against Manchester City at the weekend, and is likely to be on the bench again when Stoke play Wigan Athletic tonight.