Keegan’s got style for goals

Feb 5 2008 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

WINGER James Milner is looking forward to playing in a more expansive style of football under Kevin Keegan than he did under former boss Sam Allardyce as it suits his natural instincts for the game.

Milner was rested by Keegan for the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough last weekend, but the England Under-21 international, who is due to play against the Republic of Ireland tonight, believes he will quickly adapt to the changes being made under the new manager.

The former Leeds prospect has played under six full-time managers since he moved to Newcastle for £3.5m in August 2004 – including David O’Leary during a season on loan at Aston Villa – but he appears to be genuinely excited about playing for Keegan.

“I’ve certainly been very impressed with his outlook and we’re going to be a more attacking team now,” said Milner, who will win a record 36th Under-21 cap at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium if he features this evening. “For someone like me that’s great to hear because I’m a winger and I want to attack defenders.

“Things haven’t quite gone for us so far, but I think you can see that the team is trying to play a more expansive game than we were. I’m all for that. I think we have had some positives to take out of every game since Kevin Keegan came in as manager, even the two 3-0 defeats at Arsenal. It’s about keeping going and things will turn round for us. We just need that little bit of luck to spark things off and get us moving in the right direction again. I’m certain that’s going to happen under the new regime.”

Despite scoring their first goal since Keegan succeeded Allardyce last month against Middlesbrough, Newcastle were unable to secure their first win and have now taken just three points from the last 24. Although he is excited about the ideas Keegan is trying to introduce, Milner also admitted it was proving hard for the players to adapt to a new style of football twice in one season.

He explained: “Even though things have not really been going for us in games in terms of decisions and the rub of the green, he is just one of those managers who is always capable of giving players a lift. I think confidence has been a problem because we’ve been on a bad run. It’s going to take him time, which is

something we seem to have been saying all season. You can’t turn a club round quickly, especially when we’ve got a small squad. We’ve been playing one way under Sam, which we had to change to, and then another new manager has come in and we’ve had to change again. That’s not easy, it’s not an excuse, it’s just reality.”

Meanwhile, Keegan will get the chance to take his first proper look at what Obafemi Martins can offer his side as the Nigerian prepares to return from the African Cup of Nations.

Martins, who is one of the best-known players in African football, has endured a disappointing tournament and lost his place in Nigeria’s starting line-up after two poor displays against the Ivory Coast and Mali in the group stage. The 23-year-old was an unused substitute as the Super Eagles were beaten 2-1 by hosts Ghana in the quarter-finals on Sunday, but Keegan will be delighted to see him back in Newcastle this week.

The Magpies have already welcomed Senegal pair Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye back and all three are expected to be involved against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Despite failing to replicate the eye-catching form of his first season in the Premier League, Martins is still leading the club’s scoring chart this season with seven goals in 23 appearances. The former Inter Milan star initially appeared to enjoy working under Allardyce, but some poor finishing and a role on the right side of midfield appeared to affect his confidence before he left for international duty.

Indeed, the striker was quick to criticise his former manager when Allardyce was replaced by Keegan last month, insisting he felt unwanted by the previous regime.

“I cannot say I have good memories of Allardyce’s time,” confessed Martins. “I definitely think he should have played me more. Will it be good to have a fresh start? If something is not right you must change it. I don’t know why he never picked me, but he never said anything to me. I believe Kevin Keegan can help my game.”

Whether Keegan will be more willing to play Martins alongside new skipper Michael Owen remains to be seen and he may well have to continue to play a supporting role to the England international. But there is no doubt his pace will excite Keegan, who has so far seen Alan Smith, Shola Ameobi and Mark Viduka all struggle to prove they should be Owen’s first-choice partner in his four games back in charge.