Former Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan aims to put his hero-staus on Tyneside on the back-burner as he goes into tomorrow's game against the Magpies.

Keegan was greeted by thousands of jubilant fans at St James' Park in February for the FA Cup tie between the sides, but he aims to make it 'strictly business' at Maine Road in 24 hours time.

Keegan said: "What happened last season at St James' Park was a one-off. It was my first ever visit back with a team of my own. There had been a lot of things written about my time at Newcastle and everybody is entitled to their opinion.

"But the Newcastle fans showed what they thought about it and I hope I showed what I thought of them.

"It was all very moving and it was a day I'll always remember. But all that is now finished. It's all behind me.

"The Newcastle fans will come to our place on Saturday and while the respect will remain I don't expect anything else. It is not going to be the same as it was at St James' Park. It's now down to business."

Keegan took the Magpies to third spot in the Premiership in 1993, and he aims to have a similar impact with his City side this term.

"When Newcastle came up we finished third in our first season and I have got high ambitions for City," says the former England boss.

"I don't like that word consolidate and my ambition is to finish in the top six this season.

"It's going to be difficult but I have never been afraid of a challenge."

* Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson was in the limelight last night as a host of footballing celebrities came out in force to honour the Magpies chief.

The night, A Tribute To Sir Bobby Robson, was organsied by the Variety Club of Great Britain, and the man himself is delighted with the honour.

"It's very nice, and I'm sure it will be a tremendous evening. I will have a lot of family and friends there and I'm really looking forward to it," said Sir Bobby.

"I'm not one for parading myself and I don't go looking to accept honours, but the Variety Club have been very good to me and we're making a lot of money for underpriviliged children so that's a reason in itself for doing it."

Sir Manchester United chief Alex Ferguson and England coach Sven Goran Eriksson were among the guests at last night's dinner.

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