Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has claimed that Rafael Benitez represents a smart appointment, and has backed the Spaniard to steer the Magpies from relegation.

The former Liverpool manager replaced Steve McClaren on Tyneside two weeks ago as the North-East giants battle for their Premier League lives.

United remain 19th in the Premier League table, three points adrift of safety with a game in hand, but there have been promising signs of improvement in Benitez's first two games in charge - a 1-0 defeat at leaders Leicester, and a 1-1 draw at home to relegation rivals Sunderland.

Speaking to The Chronicle, Keegan said: "It's a really good appointment. He will keep them up but it won't be easy.

"They have got some home games that are winnable. This break is pretty good for him because it gives him a lot of time to work with players but of course a lot of the players will be away so in some ways it is a double whammy."

Benitez goes in search of his first win when Newcastle travel to 17th-placed Norwich City on Saturday.