Michael Owen has had quite some year.

In March the Newport Gwent Dragon lifted the Six Nations trophy as Wales completed a historic Grand Slam. On Monday the 24-year-old will lead out the British Lions in their opening game against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

And next month the back-row forward's wife Lucy will give birth to their second child by June 13.

Owen is the first to admit it has been an amazing year for him, so much so that at times he has to pinch himself to check he's not dreaming.

He said: "We had a meeting with Sir Clive on Tuesday night and after it he pulled me to one side and asked me if I wanted to be captain and if that was alright with me.

"Obviously I didn't have to think about it but to be honest it hadn't even crossed my mind I just wanted to be part of the game so it is a fantastic honour and I'm so excited.

"It's a new challenge for me and I just want to play well and put down my marker for the rest of the tour.

"It's awesome that the first game is at the Millennium Stadium. When I was first picked for the Lions squad I just wanted to play in this game as it was in Wales.

"But to be leading the team out is just amazing. It is a unique situation and I want to do myself justice, since I found out I haven't stopped smiling.

He added: "It's been an amazing year for me to be honest with you.

" I started the season wanting to secure my Wales place and on Monday I'll be leading out the Lions. "It hasn't quite sunk in yet and I have to pinch myself at times with what has happened to me.

"I just want to enjoy it all to be honest because this is what you work hard for."

Competition for places is likely to be high, especially in the back row. But Owen feels he is up to the task He said: "Competition is going to be intense, especially in the back row and it is a huge honour to be here with these players. Training is going to be fantastic and I cannot worry about competition I've just got to enjoy myself and hope I do myself justice when I get the opportunity.

"Monday is the most important game for me as far as I'm concerned. I just want to take each game as it comes as there is so much quality in the squad you just cant get ahead of yourself."

Certainly Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has been impressed with the Dragons star.

And it was his performances in this season's Six Nations championships that convinced Woodward that Owen was his man.

He said: ""He had a fantastic Six Nations and reflects why Wales were successful."

"I spoke to him last night and it took him less than 0.1 seconds to accept that role.

"It is a huge honour to captain the Lions at any time, but this will be a very special occasion for Michael to captain the Lions in this game in Cardiff.

"I have no doubt he will acquit himself well."

Owen, will be helped in his duties by Jonny Wilkinson who has been named as vice-captain while tour captain Brian O'Driscoll has been rested for this game.

The role of captaincy shouldn't come as shock to Owen who is growing accustomed to the role.

As a child he captained his school at football and cricket and as a professional rugby player he has captained his club, region, country and now the British Lions.

It is a huge honour for any player, especially with all the history that surrounds a Lions tour.

But the back-row forward is refusing to get caught up in the traditions of the role. He said: "You have to try and not caught up in all the history and the tradition because obviously it'll be all pretty overwhelming, I just want to concentrate on my rugby."

Owen is joined in the Lions side by Gareth Cooper and Shane Williams. However, Gavin Henson,Tom Shanklin and Dwayne Peel are injured while Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones are both involved with club duties this weekend.

Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins were both not considered for selection.