The Keegan revolution: Owen made captain, Shearer offered role and Barton to return

Keegan dismissed talk of a rift with striker Owen, who was highly critical of his new manager in his autobiography, and will hand him the captain's armband for Bolton's visit.

Goalkeeper Shay Given was skipper for Wednesday's FA Cup win over Stoke but the new boss wants an outfield player to be the leader.

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Golden boys: Kevin Keegan (left) and coach Terry McDermott (right) chat to chairman Chris Mort

Keegan has read Owen's book and said: 'I was shocked when I read it but you have to ask yourself why he wrote that. I'm delighted he's here. I love him as a person and as a player and he is one of the reasons why this job was so exciting.'

Keegan, who made Shearer a £15million world record signing 12 years ago, has yet to speak to him but it seems unlikely Shearer would quit his TV work to accept a full-time job as one of the assistants.

Keegan, who has hired former Newcastle boss Arthur Cox as an adviser, said: 'I haven't spoken to Alan yet because I have fully concentrated on the match and getting to know people.

'I want to bring in the very best and if there is a role that Alan wants and it's right, I would love to have him back. I will definitely talk to him.'

Keegan's immediate priority is tonight's clash.

Midfielder Joey Barton, who is on bail, must return to his Hampshire base for a 7pm curfew so he will be unavailable.

He would have enough time to play in the FA Cup against Arsenal next week, however.

Keegan has met Barton, who is training during the day with the squad and he will stand by the former Manchester City player who has been charged with actual bodily harm.

'I can't control what has gone on before or in a courtroom,' said Keegan who had Barton as a youngster at City. 'But I will support him 100 per cent as a Newcastle player.'

Six managers since Keegan have tried and failed to end the 50-plus year wait for a domestic trophy and few, with the exception of Sir Bobby Robson, have managed to match the entertainment of the Keegan side which pushed Manchester United to the title in 1996.

Keegan admitted he was jealous every time a successor had been appointed but he was convinced to quit his Soccer Circus in Glasgow after meeting owner Mike Ashley, who first approached Harry Redknapp last week.

He said: 'Every time one came in I was saying "Wow, you can do it, you lucky man" but I also felt it could've been me. I've still got the passion, so expect anything.

'If you take away the top four, this club is as big as any. I doubt they will be quaking yet but we're one of the few clubs who can break into that and we are a challenge. We have the support and the backing.

'It's easy for the sceptics to poke fun but the finance is there and we did it before when people laughed. So watch out Alex, we're after your title. We nearly did it last time.'

Keegan has already been linked with many players, from Ronaldinho and Kaka to the more sane option of Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Bridge.

Chairman Chris Mort will make funds available and admitted the club may even extend St James' Park if Keegan's revolution takes off.

Mort hired Keegan after firing Sam Allardyce a week earlier.

He spent weeks saying the former Bolton boss was safe before wielding the axe.

He said: 'It wasn't one final thing, it was just an accumulation. Sam and I never fell out, we felt that where the club was going was not somewhere where we wanted it to be taken. We think Kevin will take it to a different place.

'He can end the long wait for a trophy. If we play fabulous football for the next threeand- a-half years and don't win anything there will be an edge of disappointment. But there will be fun along the way.'