Striker Mark Viduka hopes he can form a formidable strike partnership with England international Michael Owen and help fire Newcastle to success this season.

The 31-year-old joined the Magpies last month from Middlesbrough on a two-year deal, becoming new manager Sam Allardyce's first signing for the club.

Owen will also be like a new addition for Newcastle, after returning from an injury that sidelined him for almost all of last season.

Viduka is likely to start with Owen, battling it out with Obafemi Martins for the other place in attack.

Former Leeds ace Viduka admits Owen is a player he has admired for a long time.

Asked whether they can form a good strike partnership, he said: ''I hope so.

''I've always admired his ability and I think we can complement each other, because we are different types of players.''

Viduka is currently on duty with Australia in Thailand as they embark on their first AFC Asian Cup campaign.

After signing for Newcastle, Viduka left immediately to enjoy a short holiday.

He led the line in the Socceroos' first game in the competition today as Everton's Tim Cahill rescued a 1-1 draw and ensured Australia avoided an embarrassing defeat to Oman.

It is the second successive season that he has been unable to enjoy a regular pre-season, after being part of the Australia side that made it to the second round of the World Cup last year.