Danny Guthrie believes persuading Michael Owen to sign a new contract is vital to Newcastle's ambitions.
The England international does have a new deal on the table, but is weighing up his options before committing his future to the Magpies.
Joe Kinnear has voiced his concern at the prospect of keeping the 29-year-old at St James' Park, despite his belief that the terms on offer are 'excellent considering the climate of what is happening around all football clubs'.
While his doubts may prove to be unfounded, Guthrie is of the opinion that the club must do all they can to ensure Owen does not walk away as a free agent next summer.
"He is massive - you saw that at the weekend (against Portsmouth). One chance, one goal. You need those players," said the midfielder.
"We need to make it a bit easier on ourselves with people like myself getting goals to help him out."
Owen has already been linked with a host of clubs ahead of the January transfer window, with a New Year switch away from Tyneside widely touted.
He is, however, not the only player to have reached the final few months of their current contract and see their future called into question.
Nicky Butt, Steve Harper and Shola Ameobi are all in the same position, with Guthrie keen to see all three put pen to paper over the coming weeks.
"The contracts are important, especially with the players who are concerned," he added.
"Everyone knows the situation with those players, it is just a case of them sorting it out themselves.
"But it's nice that with all that's going on, we can still go out there and perform, even with people who have contract talks hanging over their heads."
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