Keegan keen to talk to Shearer

Kevin Keegan believes Alan Shearer could be part of his reign at Newcastle United if the former Newcastle striker was interested in coming on board. The 56-year-old spoke passionately about his dreams for the club as he was officially unveiled at St James's Park for the second time as manager.

But as he promised to provide the entertainment which characterised his previous reign - and which has been sadly lacking during those of some of his successors during the 11 years since he left Tyneside - he was quick to tackle the burning issues which have filled the back pages since his sensational return was confirmed.

Speculation that Shearer, himself a candidate for the main job, could join Keegan's staff has been rife for days, and while the former England boss insisted he had not spoken to the man he signed for £15 million since his appointment, he confirmed he would be doing so.

"I want to bring the very best to Newcastle United and if there is a role that Alan wants and that is right - and that is the key - I would love to have him back here, yes," he said. "I definitely will talk to him, there is no doubt about that."

Discussion of Shearer's prospective return has been matched by a debate over Owen's future on Tyneside after attention was drawn to less than complimentary comments made by the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star in his autobiography about his relationship with Keegan during his time as England boss.

That had led to speculation that the 27-year-old, the club's record £17m signing, could be on his way out of Tyneside.

However, the new manager was swift to insist that the striker not only has a future on Tyneside, but a major role to play. Asked if he had read Owen's book, he replied: "I haven't seen it, I have only read it because it was put in the paper the other day. He is entitled to his opinion.

"I am looking forward to working with him. I don't have a problem with that."

Keegan took up the reins once again without pomp and circumstance, at his own request, as he concentrated on the business of preparing his team for a vital league game against Bolton tomorrow evening.

He will be welcomed as a returning hero when he heads for the dug-out, and he will do so determined to rekindle the breathless brand of football his side served up more than a decade ago.

Asked what was required of him by the fans, Keegan said: "They would like to win something, but when they have worked all week, the match for them is a bit like the people down south going to the theatre.

"They are going to be entertained. They have worked hard all week and they want to come to this ground and they want to see something that's worth seeing,  they want to enjoy it."

Keegan believes it might not be quite as hard to improve the club's fortunes as some have suggested in the wake of a difficult start to the season.

"There are a lot of quality players here in Michael Owen and Mark Viduka, and then you start to look at other players who have been at other clubs and done well," he said.

"There are players like Nicky Butt and Alan Smith who have won trophies with Manchester United. Damien Duff who has played numerous times with his country so there is a lot of potential here," added Keegan, forgetting that the Irishman has, in fact, won two Premiership titles with Chelsea

The sceptics suggest football has changed so radically in the last 11 years that even Keegan will not be able to serve up the same kind of fare a second time around. He does not necessarily agree with that assessment, but admits he is a changed man for the experiences of the past decade or more.

Keegan said: "I have certainly aged because I am 11 years older. As a person, I would like to think 11 years on, I am wiser, I have got more experience."