His preparations for Saturday's FA Cup match at Arsenal have been conducted at the same time as his efforts to strengthen a small squad, and with next Thursday's transfer deadline approaching, time is running out.

While giving little away amid speculation linking him with several players, Keegan admits he's still in the search for new recruits.

He said: "We have nobody in yet and it is not easy to get players in better than what we have got here.

"There are players there who possibly fit that criteria, but they are not available, so it is a case of trying to find someone who is available and fit the criteria we want, which is as good or better in some positions than what we have."

Newcastle also face Arsenal next Tuesday at Emirates Stadium in the Barclays Premier League.