Alan Shearer has insisted new Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has not been in touch as he sets out his latest plans for the club.

Speculation has been rife in the wake of the 56-year-old's appointment last night that the dream ticket partnership between the two men which proved so popular with fans following Sam Allardyce's departure could become a reality.

However, Shearer, who has let it be known he would have answered the club's call had they turned to him in their hour of need, is adamant he has not yet considered joining the man who paid £15million for him in 1996 back at St James's Park.

In an interview screened by BBC, he said: "I haven't considered it - I haven't had anything to consider, to be honest.

"He is his own man. As I said, I have got tremendous respect for him. I worked with him as a player at Newcastle and with England.

"I am sure he will do well and whoever he brings in, if anyone, it will be for the benefit of the football club."

Shearer's response was diplomatic as Keegan started the process of assessing just what he will need to do, although he repeated his willingness to talk to the manager if he wants to do so.

He said: "First and foremost, I don't know whether Kevin wants me as his number two, and I don't know whether I want to be a number two.

"He hasn't been in the job very long. He needs to go into the football club and have a look around and see what he needs, whether he needs to bring his own people in or stick with the people who are already there.

"But if he was to ring me, then of course I would speak to him because I have great respect for him."

Keegan was today taking stock and preparing for Saturday evening's league clash with Bolton, with just two weeks of the transfer window left to run. His excitement was clear as he slipped back into the hot-seat.

"I wouldn't say it was a big decision. I love this football club and I don't think anyone would ever doubt that," Keegan said today.  "You know life has moved on and I was doing other things, but I had to make a decision and in the end, it was a very easy one.

"I have met the owner, Mike Ashley, and I like him very much. I also met the chairman, Chris Mort, and just talking to them, I felt they both knew what they are doing.

"I spent an hour with Mike and that convinced me it is right to come back to help him in what he is doing with Newcastle United and what he wants from the football club."