Alex Freguson could have been forgiven if he let his mind drift forward to tomorrow during last night's match.

For midfielder Roy Keane is pencilled in to make his long-awaited comeback for the reserves after recovering from a hip operation.

Keane, who is back in full training, could have a run-out at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground, where Newcastle's second string are the visitors.

"Roy may possibly play in the reserves," said Ferguson before last night's game. "If he does, that's a great start for him. We then know we can have him in the New Year programme."