Keegan’s Magpies can match the Big Four, declares Keane

ROY KEANE is backing derby rival Kevin Keegan to mount a renewed challenge for the Premier League title with Newcastle — but admits the big four clubs are “on a different planet’ to Sunderland.

Keane crosses managerial swords with Keegan for the first time tomorrow when the Black Cats arrive for the Tyne-Wear derby.

In his first incarnation as Newcastle boss, Keegan side’s frittered away a 12-point lead in the 1996 title race to hand the crown to a Manchester United outfit that featured Keane.

But while Keane contents himself with attempting to transform “yo-yo club’ Sunderland into one with genuine top-flight credentials, he believes Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are within Keegan’s reach.

Keane said: “Are Newcastle capable of challenging the other top teams? You bet your life they are. Kevin Keegan did it 12 years ago. They just missed out on the title and I’m sure he believes he can get there again.

“It’s obviously tough, especially when you mention teams like Liverpool with a great history of being successful. Everton are a top club and catching up with the big four.

“I think teams like Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough have been saying for a long time that they reckon they can compete. Fan base does give you a chance, but you have to back that up with big money.

“If we stay up, we want to compete with the Blackburns, the Villas, the Evertons. Forget about the Uniteds, Liverpools, Arsenals and Chelseas — they’re on a different planet.

“We’re years and years and years behind them — and that’s with them standing still. With the financial backing they have, they are going to get stronger every year.

“We’re playing catch-up and the reason we’re playing catch-up is we’ve been a yo-yo club. People were talking about Newcastle being in a relegation dogfight a couple of months ago, but they were never going to be in it because they have too much talent, particularly going forward, for that to happen.”

Sunderland’s Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy echoed Keane’s sentiments about Keegan. He admitted: “I like watching Kevin Keegan’s team play — he puts the emphasis on attack. When he first came back things didn’t really go right for him, but he’s turned things round.

“It’s good for the Premier League that he’s back in management and I think it’s healthy for English football that Newcastle and Sunderland both do well.

“Neither have done as well as they should through the years, but we’re trying to put that right.

“Our aim this season was just to stay in the Premier League and build from that. Newcastle are different because they are well established and had some success in the past. We’ve both had our problems this season but we’re looking at a bright future.”

Former Waterford player Murphy added: “This is a game we’re all looking forward to. The lads are getting ready for battle and it’s been pretty intense all week in training.

“I’ve never played at St James’ Park before and I hope to put that right. The derby is definitely an extra special game. It’s a massive, massive game for both clubs.’’