Keegan pointing N’Zogbia to the Newcastle exit

Arsenal are certain to lead the chase for the 21-year-old former Le Havre midfielder, who is one of Newcastle's most naturally gifted players, although not renowned as one of the most committed individuals at the club.

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Keegan revealed N'Zogbia asked to leave soon after the new manager was reappointed, but he blocked the move then and played the Frenchman in six of his first eight games, all of which Newcastle failed to win.

N'Zogbia is now out of the rejuvenated Newcastle side, who travel to Portsmouth today looking for their fourth successive win, and he was not even on the bench for last week's victory over Reading.

Keegan said: "When I first came in there were eight days left of the transfer window and Charles and his agent wanted to move him out of here, but I wouldn't allow that.

"Having said that, I said that if he did his best until the end of the season and then still felt the same way, I would let him go. But it would be on our terms, as he's got three years left here.

"I've had a chat with him and his training in the past week has been the best since I've been here. If he can learn to be a team player with his individual skill, he will be a hell of an asset for any club.

"Both the players and myself would like to keep him here because they know he can be a tremendous asset but he's got to be fully committed to Newcastle United and I think he might still decide to do that."

One man who certainly remains committed to the Geordie cause is goalkeeper Steve Harper, who plays his 17th League game of the season in the continued absence through injury of Shay Given.

Harper, 33, is the only survivor of Keegan's previous regime, having arrived at the club from college as a teenager. He has seen plenty of managers come and go since, but says that Keegan has a genuine ability to lift the players.

"All 27 of the managers who seem to have been here with me have their particular strengths," he joked.

"But the thing about Kevin is his motivational qualities. He walks into a room and gets 20 per cent more out of players."