MICHAEL Owen is confident that Newcastle United can build upon Saturday's spirited display against Blackburn Rovers and pick up some much-needed league points in the coming weeks.
The Geordies were denied a first win under new boss Kevin Keegan with an inspired performance from visiting keeper Brad Friedel keeping United out until Matt Derbyshire's last-gasp winner.
The Magpies travel to Liverpool this weekend with crunch fixtures against Birmingham City and Fulham to follow, but skipper Owen believes there are a lot of positives to take into the Anfield clash.
"It doesn't get any easier, going away to Anfield, but if we can play like that, we have got a chance," said Owen after seeing three gilt-edged chances go begging during the 1-0 defeat against Mark Hughes' men.
"After Liverpool, we have got some games which are going to be vitally important against teams who are in and around us, so if we can take that performance and build on it.
"We have played well under the new manager is spells, but that is the first game where we have really played well for the whole game, so we will take the positives out of that.
"It was a cruel end. We had plenty of chances, myself being the main culprit.
"I probably had more chances in that game then I have in the last 10, so it is frustrating not to get one and frustrating not to get at least a draw. We deserved to win.
"But there are positives even though we are nearer the relegation zone now and we have lost another game.
"Everyone was far happier after this game than they have been after the last couple of games.
"After Manchester United and Aston Villa, there really was little to take out of the game, but on Saturday, we played really well and I blame myself for not converting any."
