DAMIEN Duff says that he is desperate to be part of Kevin Keegan's long-term plans at Newcastle United after admitting he loves working with his charismatic gaffer every day in training.

The 29-year-old concedes that he has endured a "disastrous" time on Tyneside having seen injury restrict him to just 44 starts in two seasons with the club.

But, having returned from a career-threatening foot lay-off just before Christmas, Duff says that he is looking forward to rediscovering his best form for the Magpies under KK.

"I've had a disastrous time because of injuries so it'd be nice to find my best form again," he said.

"Things haven't worked out for me but I'll always stand by my decision to go there. I still wouldn't change anything.

"It's been tough. This time last year I was lying in a hospital bed and the surgeon said then it'd be a year before you feel remotely like your old self.

"And it's more or less a year to the day, so if there is a bonus to be had from this season, it's that this time last year I was worried about ever playing again.

"But now I am back playing."

And, of Toon boss Keegan, Duff added: "It's been great working with him, particularly as a forward player.

"Just training with him every day and hearing his thoughts on different things is great."