Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan is confident of keeping his squad intact.

Asked about Damien Duff's future, he said: "There has been speculation about every one of our players, but I definitely want to keep him.

"He is a good character around the place, he sets a good standard in training along with three or four of the other players.

"They set the standards, they are the ones who do it right every day. Rain or sunshine, it doesn't make any difference to them.

"We are very strong now in certain positions. Where Damien plays is where Gutierrez can play, where James Milner can play, where Charles N'Zogbia can play and where Geremi can play.

"We have got five very good players competing for two-and-a-half places in the team.

"We haven't got that everywhere, so we need to address that and that is what we are trying to do.

"It might look like not so successfully at the moment, but there is a long time to go and there will be plenty of opportunities.

"If the right player comes along and we think he is right for Newcastle United, we will be in there pitching."