MARK HUGHES believes Kevin Keegan deserves to be given the time he needs to turn around struggling Newcastle United.

After his much publicised 'second coming' last month, Keegan is still searching for his first win since returning to the Toon, having lost four and drawn two of his six games in charge so far.

On top of that, the former England and Manchester City boss is also said to be uncomfortable over the appointments of Dennis Wise as first executive director (football), and Chris Hughton as assistant manager, both of whom were reportedly brought in without his prior consent.

Another defeat at the hands of Blackburn tomorrow would only serve to increase the pressure on Keegan, because it could drag the Magpies into a relegation fight.

But Hughes has rallied to the defence of his United counterpart, insisting he will be given the chance to arrest the club's recent slump because of the special relationship he has with the Toon Army.

"Kevin has had a fantastic impact on the club off the field (since he went there) but maybe not as much on the field as yet. But that's going to take time.

"He knows the club better than anybody, so he should know what it takes to turn things around.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell Kevin how to do it because I've never been in that position.

"But what you do need is time. You need that in any job, and he will be given time, which maybe any other manager than Kevin Keegan wouldn't be given.

"He deserves the amount of time that he needs because of what he did there before.

"I've often said Premier League points are like gold dust, and they are so crucial to the future of your club.

"The demeanour of the fans is key and linked to winning games, so they'll want to get back on winning terms very quickly."

Although Newcastle are in danger of getting sucked into a relegation fight, Hughes believes they have enough about them to survive.

"What have they got at the moment? 28 points? They probably need 36 or 37 because you won't need 40 this year," said the Rovers boss.

"That's well within their capabilities but the longer it goes, the more the apprehension and tension starts to filter into their play.

"They'll want to address that very quickly but we'll obviously have something to say about that."

Rovers have an excellent record on Tyneside - and, indeed, in the whole of the North East - under Hughes, winning on both of their last two visits to St James' Park.

And if they are to complete a hat-trick tomorrow then Hughes believes it's vital his players keep things tight in the opening 20 minutes, which might prompt the home fans to become restless.

"They are a demanding crowds and they come out in their numbers," he added.

"They pay their money and they give fantastic support.

"You always know when you go there the opening period will be difficult.

"Once you get through that then you think you can get a foothold in the game and start to make inroads into their confidence, or maybe lack of confidence that the team itself has.

"Sometimes the anxiety of the crowd can buy into that as well and feed off that. Then it becomes more difficult for them.

"But if they get a head of steam and get their noses in front, the crowd is right behind them."