Owen didn't expect early goals

Michael Owen has told skysports.com his Real Madrid career is ahead of schedule.

The England marksman notched his fifth goal in six matches for Los Merengues in Sunday's win over Malaga.

After a sticky start things are going well for the former Liverpool star, and his critics of only a few weeks ago now seem to have turned their attention to Real team-mate Ronaldo who is struggling to find the net.

Owen insists he always expected a period of adaptation following his summer move, and did not expect to have five goals to his name by this stage.

He explained to skysports.com: "These five goals are excellent, I really did not expect too many goals in my first few months at Real.

"I am happy with my return for the team. Five goals is a good total after my arrival.

"I wanted to play firstly, and afterwards worry about the goals.

"My minimum objective is to get ten goals in the league."

Owen went on to reiterate his claim that he was not worried about starting games on the bench at this stage of his spell at Real.

However, he admitted he was particularly looking forward to 'El Clasico' against Barcelona in two weeks' time, and was hoping to get the nod to start.

"I don't have any problems beginning matches on the bench," he continued.

"I am convinced that many opportunities will come for me and that I will not fail when they come.

"The match against the Barcelona is special, but La Liga is a very difficult league, and you need to win in any stadium."