Stuart McCall can understand the emotional pull that persuaded Kevin Keegan to go back to Newcastle.

McCall knows exactly what Keegan was going through when he decided to return to Tyneside for a third time.

The City boss, who began his third spell at Valley Parade in June, said: "If your heart's set, it doesn't matter how much your head says don't do it. If you don't accept the challenge then it's something you will live to regret.

"Expectation levels will go through the roof - I know all about that. But it's just something that you cannot ignore.

"You'd rather be up there and taking on that challenge than just letting it pass by."

McCall's appointment last summer produced an ecstatic response from delighted City fans. But that was dwarfed by the hysteria at St James' Park on Wednesday night which greeted the news of Keegan's return.

McCall is rooting for him to revive Newcastle's fortunes and said: "You always want the nice guys to come out on top.

"I remember meeting Kevin for the first time when he came to open the ground again after the fire disaster. I've seen him a few times since and he's a lovely fella.

"He is such a bubbly and enthusiastic person and it's great to see him back in the game.

"He's been running a successful soccer school in Glasgow the last couple of years and people I know up there say he's brilliant with the kids. But that's just his natural bubbly personality.

"Kevin knows the people of Geordieland' so well and how desperate they are for success. It won't be an easy task for him but it's how you cope with that responsibility and keep striving to go forward.

"And with Mike Ashley behind him, he will be backed with a lot of money to spend either straight away or in the summer.

"It's great for everyone in football to have Kevin back again and I really hope he makes a good job of it."