Keane set to return

Alex Freguson could have been forgiven if he let his mind drift forward to tomorrow during last night's match.

For midfielder Roy Keane is pencilled in to make his long-awaited comeback for the reserves after recovering from a hip operation.

Keane, who is back in full training, could have a run-out at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground, where Newcastle's second string are the visitors.

"Roy may possibly play in the reserves," said Ferguson before last night's game. "If he does, that's a great start for him. We then know we can have him in the New Year programme."