Kevin Keegan was instrumental in the appointment of assistant coach Chris Hughton at Newcastle United, it has been revealed.

Contrary to reports that Hughton was signed without Keegan's backing, The Journal says it was actually the manager's decision to approach the former Republic of Ireland defender to see if he was interested in coming to St James's Park as a coach.

Keegan has not worked with the former Spurs assistant manager before, but he was aware of his excellent reputation as a coach and knew he was highly-rated by former Tottenham manager Martin Jol, as well as the man he replaced as England manager, Glenn Hoddle, from their time together at White Hart Lane.

A senior United source said: "Kevin was the one who first came up with the idea of bringing Chris to the club and he was the first person to call him to see if he was interested in the job. Kevin was the driving force behind the idea."