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.