By Craig Hope

KEVIN Keegan has challenged his Newcastle United stars to follow the lead of Damien Duff and prove to him they are good enough to win a place in the Magpie starting XI for next month's curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.

The Irish winger left Victoria Park in possession of the matchball last weekend having a bagged a treble during the 4-1 success over League One Hartlepool.

And, with Championship newcomers Doncaster Rovers next up at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, gaffer KK has called on the lads to take the opportunity to show him why they deserve to be a part of his plans next season.

"It's a chance for the lads to say to me 'I want to be in that team come the start of the season'," the Toon chief told nufcTV in another exclusive interview.

"It's a new opportunity for everybody.

"There are two or three at this club who feel they have not had a pre-season for two or three years because of circumstances beyond their control.

"Damien Duff is a prime example of that and he was fantastic at Hartlepool last week.

"For the players it's an exciting time and for a manager you just stand back and say 'show me what you can do'.

"And so far the training has been outstanding.

"We have got a new fitness coach in and I think so far it's been very hard but the lads have really enjoyed it."