DAMIEN Duff has assured Newcastle United fans that Kevin Keegan has already had a massive impact at the club – even if results on the pitch have failed to improve under the new manager.
 Keegan’s return to St James’s Park was expected to have an instant galvanising effect on the Magpies, but instead United have failed to score in three successive games and are yet to win since his triumphant return to Tyneside a fortnight ago. Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on Tuesday night means they have taken just two points from the last 21 and have slipped to within touching distance of the relegation battle below them. But Duff (pictured right) is adamant it is only a matter of time before Newcastle begin to reap the benefits of Keegan’s return as he gave a glowing endorsement of the new manager’s football philosophy. He said: “We want to start winning games again. We’ve not won since December 15 and the gaffer has come in and we haven’t managed to improve results yet. I think we’re all desperate to get that first win on the board for him because he’s a great fellow and we want to show what a positive impact he has already had on the club. Of course these things take time, but everyone has really enjoyed his arrival. It might not have seemed like that because of results, but I think we’re all excited about what is happening and where the club is trying to go. However, we need to show that by putting points on the board. “I’ve been really impressed with the new manager’s ideas and the enthusiasm he brings to the training ground and the dressing room on a matchday. This is just the start, but the sooner we get that first win the better. In many ways Sunday will be like a fresh start for the team because it doesn’t get much tougher than two back-to-back away games against Arsenal.” The arrival of regional rivals Middlesbrough to St James’s Park at the weekend represents the perfect chance for United to get the first win of the new era out of the way, but the Teessiders have improved markedly in recent weeks and the midweek win over Wigan means they are just two points behind the Magpies. But Duff knows, no matter how well Boro have been playing, they are still more preferable opponents to Arsenal. He added: “I think we’re glad to see the back of Arsenal after what they have done to us away from home this season. It was always going to be hard on Tuesday night, but we’re still annoyed at a disappointing result. We’ve conceded some sloppy goals again and we’re not creating enough chances at the other end, but we don’t have to play them every week and we can look forward to Sunday and the game against Middlesbrough. “You only have to look at the squad we’ve got. We’re down to the bare bones, we’ve got kids on the bench and we’re trying to compete with arguably the best team in the Premier League. We’ve got four lads away in the African (Cup of) Nations and we’ve picked up injuries. The squad’s too small to cope with that and I think any club in the Premier League would be struggling with what we have at the moment if they had to go to the Emirates twice in four days.” Duff has begun to show glimpses of the form which once made him one of the most feared wide players in the Premier League, but the Irishman believes there is still more to come following his recovery from a career-threatening foot injury. He explained: “I’m feeling pretty good. It was a really bad injury and I’m still getting a bit of an ache in that area which the doctor says will probably last for a few months yet. But it’s great to be back and I can feel myself getting stronger with each game I play.” Duff will have another manager to impress this season when the new boss of the Republic of Ireland is appointed, with Giovanni Trapattoni favourite to succeed Steve Staunton. But for now he would rather concentrate on club matters. He added: “Newcastle is where I live, it’s where my heart is and the club pays my wages. I want to get things right here more than anything else.” DERBY boss Paul Jewell last night revealed Newcastle have been back in touch over Giles Barnes – to say they are not prepared to increase their offer. He said: “They came back and said they wouldn’t be coming back with more than they’ve offered – I’m pleased to hear it.” | 
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