Keegan is awaiting developments on the transfer front as the Magpies hierarchy go about the business of strengthening a squad which has shrunk since last season.

However, Cameroon international Geremi believes he and the likes of Shay Given, Steve Harper, Habib Beye, Nicky Butt, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka can bring their knowledge to bear once again when the new season gets under way.

Geremi, 29, said: "If you look at the squad, there are a few players who have as much experience as me, and we must all help.

"We had this horrific period, and at that time, the senior players had to lift the young players who didn't have the experience.

"Now we have to continue that."