Desperate Keegan pins hopes on Viduka to pull Newcastle out of their League nosedive

As a potential saviour the Australian is an unlikely prospect: he has made only two appearances, both as a substitute, since starting his last game in the FA Cup at Stoke on January 6.

Four of the seven goals Newcastle have managed in the 10 games since that visit to the Britannia Stadium came in the third-round replay at St James' Park, which took place the night Keegan was appointed in a blaze of publicity.

That was the last time the Magpies tasted victory, a run of eight games, and they have not won in the Barclays Premier League since December 15, a wait that now extends to 12 matches ... and counting.

Viduka has played only once under Keegan, which was as a substitute against his former club Middlesbrough at the beginning of February after struggling with calf and hamstring injuries, but Keegan is hoping he will be fit to face Birmingham at St Andrews on Monday night.

Keegan denied he has had a bust-up with the striker, though he has had a number of clear-the-air talks with Viduka to get to the bottom of his injuries.

Viduka's last significant contribution came as he scored a face-saving double to secure a 2-2 draw against basement club Derby two days before Christmas, and Keegan is desperate for him to add to his tally of five for the campaign as the stakes mount.

The Magpies could find themselves in the relegation zone if they lose to Birmingham on Monday.

"When you have got a small squad, like we have, one player coming back makes a big difference, and especially a forward as we haven't been scoring enough goals," said Keegan.

"He brings with him a goal threat different to any other player we have got at this football club.

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"He can score goals in tight areas and he can hold the ball up well. He is very, very experienced.

"He is on the road back, and at this moment in time, provided we don't get any setbacks, will be available for selection on Monday night."

A combination of calf and hamstring problems has made for a frustrating few weeks for the former Middlesbrough front man, who has managed just 13 starts to date and a further seven as a substitute during his first season on Tyneside.

Keegan said: "He knows what it takes to score goals in the Premier League because that is what he has done consistently over the years.

"I am just delighted to have him back. We nearly got him there about four weeks ago, but when he got to the crucial stage, he started to have minor problems.

"They are all behind him now, I think. He is ready to now play a part in what is a nine-game season for us."

However, the news is not so good of midfielder James Milner, who faces three weeks on the sidelines with the foot injury he suffered in the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool last Saturday.

The 22-year-old was hurt when he kicked the bottom of Lucas Leiva's boot, and is having to wear a protective covering.

Keegan said: "It's quite a bad one. It is not broken, but it looks like it might take two or three weeks.

"He says he is a quick healer, which might help, but it was a hell of a crack and it is very badly bruised.

"He has got a boot on, not a plaster cast. It keeps him from knocking it. It could be two weeks, or it could be three weeks. We will know more on Monday."

Meanwhile, executive director (football) Dennis Wise is understood to be close to concluding a £250,000 swoop for Bournemouth's highly rated 18-year-old striker Sam Vokes.

Should the Magpies manage to fight off Aston Villa to land the teenager, he would be loaned straight back to the Dean Court club.