KEVIN Keegan's second coming at Newcastle United looked set to end in the disaster of relegation after his reign began with six defeats in eight matches.

However a run of six unbeaten - including four wins - means the fog on the Tyne is finally clearing, and "The Messiah" is now working on the miracle of a top-ten finish.

That looked hugely unlikely as the Magpies plunged from one disaster to the next under Sam Allardyce, who left the club in January after just eight months in charge.

Keegan arrived and Tyneside rejoiced, sure that the city's favourite son would spark an immediate renaissance in the club's fortunes.

For two months, the supporters waited for lift-off, only to watch their side thrashed by Arsenal (3-0 in both the league and FA Cup), Aston Villa (4-1), Liverpool (3-0) and old rivals Manchester United (5-1).

Speculation mounted that Keegan would cut his losses and resign but, against the odds, the former England striker has stuck at it and been rewarded by a remarkable improvement.

A 1-1 draw at Birmingham City has been followed by wins over Fulham, Tottenham, Reading and, most importantly, Sunderland to ensure the Toon climbed clear of the drop zone.

With three matches remaining, including a mouth-watering home game against Chelsea and a trip to fading Everton, Keegan and his players are eyeing up the tenth place West Ham have called their own since late November.

Already full of confidence, Newcastle's cause has been further boosted by the return from injury of central defender Cacapa, full-back Stephen Carr and midfielders James Milner and Emre this week.

However, goalkeepers Shay Given (groin) and Tim Krul (shoulder) are both sidelined.

Newcastle United: (from) Harper, Forster, Carr, Beye, Enrique, Edgar, Taylor, Ramage, Cacapa, Butt, Faye, Geremi, Barton, Emre, N'Zogbia, Milner, Duff, Smith, Viduka, Owen, Martins, Carroll.