Former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Ian Rush has backed under fire Toon boss Kevin Keegan. There had been reports on Monday that the Geordies had axed their boss after a reported bust up with club owner Mike Ashley.

“Newcastle are desperate for someone to bring them success,” said Rush on Setanta Sports News.

“Kevin Keegan is the messiah up there and I think if anyone did take over as Newcastle manager – apart from Alan Shearer – they’re going to have problems from day one.

“I think they have to let Kevin Keegan do it his own way.If he fails he’ll take the blame and I think he has to get what he wants and be able to get on with it, because Kevin Keegan should be managing Newcastle.”