There had been speculation there might be bad feeling between Michael Owen and the new Newcastle manager, following claims the England striker made about Keegan's man-management style in his 2004 autobiography.

But Keegan brushed that issue aside by telling the media at a St James's Park press conference:

"Michael Owen is a big player with a great goal scoring record."

When asked if he had read Owen's critical comments about him his autobiography, he replied: "Yes I've seen them, it's been all over the papers.

"I think he's entitled to his opinion, but I'm looking forward to working with him, I have no problem with that."