The Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker has played as a makeshift number eight in Scarlets' last two games.

The 32-year-old was outstanding in the 33-10 win over Leicester, claiming a try in a fine all-round display.

"He puts so much heart and soul into every performance, whether it's playing for his club or country," said Pivac.

"Ken's done very, very well and he brings a lot of emotion to the game."

Scarlets lost all five of their matches in December, including a 5-34 defeat at home by Cardiff Blues in a Pro14 derby that sparked boos from some sections of the Parc y home crowd.

Owens' switch to the back row was prompted by injuries and European tournament rules that prevented Scarlets adding specialist cover in that area.

"He [Owens] was probably quite hurt a couple of weeks ago and he's responded with a performance, and that's what you want out of players," said Pivac.

"As much as fans were disappointed a few weeks ago, we were just as disappointed if not more and that's what people need to understand.

"No one goes out and intentionally plays a bad game, certainly no one in this team.

"I think some of that emotion comes out and that's what we want in the players - we want them to be emotional and bring that emotion so long as it's under control."

Scarlets are, as yet, unbeaten in 2019.

A Pro14 win over Dragons was followed by Saturday's five-try show against the Tigers to record the first win of their European campaign.

Scarlets were already out of contention for the quarter-finals and complete their pool games away to Racing 92 on Saturday, 19 January.