Kevin Keegan believes Mike Ashley's celebrations after derby success yesterday is proof enough of the Newcastle United owner's commitment to the club.

After Newcastle extended their unbeaten run to six matches to guarantee their safety from relegation, Ashley danced in the directors' box - "I bet that wasn't a pretty sight," Keegan said, and if the sportswear tycoon can be persuaded to back his manager's ambitions, they could represent a formidable partnership.

"I read somewhere that Mike could have bought Leeds United or Newcastle, so when he came in at the end, I just said, ‘Aren't you glad you chose this place?' " Keegan said. "No disrespect to Leeds, but you can't buy an atmosphere like we had today."