KEVIN KEEGAN returned to Newcastle United last night, sparking scenes of mass jubilation among long-suffering Magpies fans.

Arriving at St James' Park, the man known on Tyneside as The Messiah and King Kev, said: "It's nice to be home. I'm delighted to be back."

The 56-year-old - who has sensationally agreed to succeed Sam Allardyce as manager - was greeted by supporters chanting his name as he appeared in the directors' box about 20 minutes into last night's FA Cup tie.

Prior to the announcement, Newcastle had sold fewer than 30,000 tickets for the replay against Championship side Stoke City. But within two hours, a further 10,000 tickets had been snapped up by delirious supporters - boosting the attendance and delaying the kick-off by 15 minutes

Club owner Mike Ashley will now hope Keegan's passion, charisma and legendary status on Tyneside can galvanise a side that only five days ago slumped to an embarrassing 6-0 away defeat to Manchester United.

The Keegan factor seems to have had an immediate effect on Newcastle. The team have been criticised in recent months for their lacklustre displays, but they went on to win last night's match 4-1 with ten men.

Many fans - already dreaming of a return to the swashbuckling brand of football introduced by Keegan during his first spell in charge from 1992 to 1997 - now hope he can involve another Geordie icon.

They are clamouring for Toon legend Alan Shearer, who Keegan signed from Blackburn for a world record £15m in 1996, to be appointed his number two.

And last night Shearer said: "If he was to ring me and ask to speak to me, I would certainly speak to him. I would be foolish not to."

Frank Gilmore, chairman of the Independent Newcastle United Supporters Club, said: "The football we played under Keegan was breathtaking, and no manager since has been able to live up to it. If he brings in Shearer it will be the icing on the cake."