By Craig Hope

NEWCASTLE United skipper Michael Owen has hailed the "massive" impact of gaffer Kevin Keegan and says that the Geordie Messiah has been a "fantastic" appointment for the Magpies.

One of KK's first tasks upon his return to the club in January was to hand his former England striker the black and white armband, a decision which certainly reaped its reward as Owen fired nine goals from just 16 league games.

Indeed, it was another of Keegan's key decisions involving his captain which sparked a stunning upturn in fortunes for United and all but buried any threat of demotion to the second tier of English football.

For, with Newcastle without a league win in more than three months, the Toon boss shelved the conventional 4-4-2 approach in favour of a more attacking 4-3-3 system with Owen deployed as a deep-lying striker.

What followed was a run of seven games without defeat and a return of 15 points as teams struggled to live with the Magpies' very own brand of stylish, free-flowing football.

So, when asked by Newcastle World TV this week about the impact of the man the Geordies call King Kev, it was little surprise Owen could not wait to wax lyrical about his gaffer.

"He's had a massive impact," enthused the Toon No.10.

"It was never going to happen straight away, not only did we have some tough games, but a lot of the lads were low on confidence.

"When you lose a manager the only reason you lose them is because results have not been good.

"The confidence wasn't high, but if you could ever ask for a man to pick players up and get the best out of them then it's Kevin Keegan, and I think there's more improvement to come in that respect.

"We all enjoy training and playing alongside each other and he has brought a real feel-good factor into the club.

"Everyone is enjoying coming in to training every day and when you do that you do it better.

"He knows his stuff and he can see a player, he can see if something needs tweaking or changing and tactically he's very good.

"It's been a fantastic appointment for us and we've all really enjoyed his time so far."

Check out Newcastle World TV this summer as we bring you our "Toon-Mates Summer Special" ... See the likes of Michael Owen, Nicky Butt, Steven Taylor, Habib Beye, Steve Harper, James Milner and even gaffer Kevin Keegan and coach Terry McDermott talk about their plans for the summer, favourite pastimes, tips for Euro 2008, best friends at the club and much, much more ... Visit the World section on the nufc.co.uk homepage to sign-up today ...