Keegan tips Shearer to manage Toon

The two men held talks over Shearer's appointment to the coaching staff within days of Keegan's return to St James' Park, although his other commitments have as yet proved an obstacle.

But Keegan told a fans' phone-in on BBC Radio Newcastle on Thursday: "The next time this job comes up - and I am hoping it is not going to be for at least three and a half years, obviously - Alan's name is going to be top of the list."

He added: "What might make that even more likely to happen is if Alan comes a year down the lines and says, 'look, my commitments are not as big now' and he has done whatever badges he wants to do.

"Alan is sensible. We sat down and he knew he couldn't be number two - you cannot do all those things and be number two.

"But one day, it will be there for him. If and when that job comes along, it would probably be not only his for the taking, but I think he would do very, very well at it because he understands the town, he understands the people, the people know what he is about and they would trust him with the club, and that would be right.

"That could be two years down the line, three years down the line, who knows?

"But it will come to him and he will be manager of Newcastle at some stage, I am absolutely certain of that - if he wants to be."