Keegan: we can beat anyone

KEVIN KEEGAN insists he has assembled a Manchester City team capable of travelling to England’s elite and claiming a victory. The former England coach claims he cannot see a weakness in his squad.

City will go top of the Premiership today should they defeat Fulham by two goals or more at Loftus Road.

The arrival of Steve McManaman from Real Madrid was, according to Keegan, the final piece in the jigsaw. McManaman was outstanding on his debut last weekend when Aston Villa were beaten 4-1.

Keegan said: "It would be nice to go top because it means we have got a good result and continued our good start to the season.

"We have got on the coach leaving our training ground every time a team capable and a squad capable of winning matches anywhere. That's why we have built it. I would say the same if we were going to Anfield tomorrow, St James' Park or Old Trafford.

"I have at my disposal the right quality players, the right quality professionals to win matches. I don't think I have ever felt that before.

"We have a very strong squad. It is full of internationals, full of experience. We have still got two players in there who have come through our academy. It is a nice blend.

"Everything about the squad feels right but we still have got to go and perform every week.

"That's the part that is ahead of us. We don't know whether we can get the consistency this season but the signs are we are capable of that," he said.

City are leading scorers in the top flight with 12 in five matches and Keegan has indicated that striker Paulo Wanchope will retain his place in the starting line-up.

"Goals are coming from throughout the team and that something you need to have if you look at the teams that are successful," he said.

"The one thing we have shown over last year or so is if people get in and do it right they stay in. I want to keep everyone happy but I think they understand not all are going to play every week.

"Paulo is very close to match fitness and that is because of the way he has worked behind the scenes.

Wanchope is aware of the knock-on benefits of going into pole position.

"It would increase our confidence," he said. "It is always nice to wake up every morning and see on TV and in the newspapers that City are up at the top.

"You look forward to training and playing in every game. That's why we want to keep the pressure on the teams around us by winning tomorrow," he said.

Keegan is returning to a club he took to the Division Two championship in 1999.

He maintains an affection for chairman Mohamed Al Fayed and manager Chris Coleman.

"I really enjoyed my time there," he said. "When we came out of Division Two we came out in style.

"Chris Coleman is doing a great job. I took him there as a leader of my team and he was a great leader.

"He is one of those guys you knew would go into management and this has come quickly for him. The way he has started you wouldn't say it has been too quick.

"Al Fayed has done a lot for Fulham, no doubt about that. When the fans look at the whole picture, I don't think anyone can say he hasn't been good for the club," he said.

Fulham centre-backs Andy Melville and Martin Djetou are both back from injury.

Melville is fit again after his pre-season foot problem while Djetou has shaken off his hamstring niggle. Striker Barry Hayles is out for another week with his troublesome ankle while midfielder Sean Davis faces another three weeks on the sidelines with his knee injury.