Newcastle striker Michael Owen believes that a victory at the weekend against Blackburn in the Premiership this weekend - which would be Keegan's first - will motivate the players and give them some new found self-belief.

Owen told BBC Radio Five Live: "Confidence isn't at its best. There is nervousness throughout the side.

"We need a win and the sooner the better. As soon as we get that I think confidence will come flooding back."

He added: "We've got an awful lot of games left and we aren't in the relegation zone at the moment.

"We're not at panic stations but we are obviously well aware we need to get a result - and fast.

"This game against Blackburn on Saturday is one you look at and think Newcastle at home should be getting something out of it."