Stoke City chairman Peter Coates is proud to have signed Michael Owen.

The released Manchester United striker inked terms with the Potters yesterday.

The chairman told The Sentinel: "His pedigree is well known. He is a wonderful footballer and I don't see why he hasn't got a lot of football left in him.

"Goalscorers are born not made. It is instinctive and Michael Owen has the skill that you can't coach. He has always had that gift.

"I saw him play for Liverpool against Stoke reserves at Southport when he was about 16. People were talking about this young player and he has certainly gone on to make his mark."