Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan is convinced his African players will hand them the boost they need when they return from Ghana.

Keegan will be banking on his four returning African stars coming back to Newcastle next month to save the club's Premier League life.

He has been forced to throw in the towel in his bid to bolster his squad for the final three months of the season.

His efforts to sign Jonathan Woodgate and Giles Barnes have fallen flat and, with the transfer window due to shut tonight, time is running out.

Instead he will look to Obafemi Martins, Geremi, Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye to ensure the Geordies are not dragged into a relegation battle.

That quartet are due back from the African Nations Cup in mid-February.

Keegan said: "I'll be honest with you, I've sat down and looked. There is nothing out there better - and who will strengthen us more - than the four players due back from the African Nations Cup."