Lions ease to second tour victory Photos from New Plymouth More Lions reaction

"I hope to have put pressure on the other contenders, that has to be the aim every time you play," said Owen.

With Lawrence Dallaglio out of the tour, Owen's claims were backed by Lions assistant coach Gareth Jenkins.

"Lawrence has to be replaced and with two big games to his name Mike has to be in the frame," he told BBC Sport.

"He's settling into a new team and bringing what he brought to the Six Nations into the Lions' style of play.

"Against Taranaki he worked hard, put his body on the line, was as physical as anyone and produced a couple of moments of the magic he's capable of.

I'm only missing one game and it's not a problem Michael Owen on returning to Wales for the birth of his child

"He's taking his opportunities and making his statement and I'm delighted for him."

Owen will fly home on Sunday for the birth of his second child, but Jenkins insists that should not affect the player's Test prospects.

"The return to Wales has been well planned and all the management team are behind Mike," said Jenkins.

"He will return as a proud father - he's got a lot going for him at the moment."

Owen himself is confident that the round-the-world trip will not hurt his tour chances.

Dallaglio's injury has opened up the number eight Test jersey

"I've got no regrets over it, I'm only missing one game and it's not a problem," Owen told BBC Sport Wales.

"I'll come back and look to push for that Test number eight spot.

"There are some fantastic players in this squad and we will only get better as we get more used to each other.

"There was a sticky patch against Taranaki, but a few of the boys were anxious to prove a point after being part of a disappointing display against Argentina.

"I think we started to gel and achieved that goal, and there's a lot more to come from this group."