Birmingham's Maik Taylor believes his former boss Kevin Keegan's confidence will not have been affected by Newcastle's poor run of results.Taylor is a massive fan of Keegan after playing under him at Fulham after he dropped down two divisions to link up with the former Liverpool legend.

Newcastle's supporters are still waiting for the first win since Keegan's return ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Blues at St. Andrews.

But Taylor has no doubt Keegan will revive the club's fortunes - particularly with the squad at his disposal.

But he will have no room for sentiment when the two sides meet as City are also desperate for points in the battle for survival.

The Northern Ireland international said: "I loved playing under Kevin Keegan. I was in the Premier League with Southampton when Kevin took me to Fulham and I wouldn't have dropped down two divisions for anyone else.

"But it was Kevin Keegan with his enthusiasm and everything else so I did it. We had a fantastic time. We achieved promotion from what is now League One, won the title with six games to go and broke records along the way.

"He gets you believing in yourself, feeling on top of the world and ready to take on anyone. It is great for your confidence, the things he says about you.

"Every game you play you don't look at the opposition because you are so fired up about yourself.

"That is the mentality we went out with at Fulham because of Kevin and I am sure that is the mentality Newcastle will go out with.

"He'll be rallying his team and having them looking up the table rather than looking over their shoulders.

"The way he is about the place is very infectious. At Fulham, his will to win rubbed off on the players."

Taylor continued: "It did surprise me when Kevin came back because he's been out of the game for around three years and there was no suggestion beforehand that he wanted to come back.

"I think football is better for having him involved again and I wish him all the best - but we're fighting for survival as well and we need to take the game to them on Monday and get the points.

"I hope they get out of it but not at our expense. First and foremost I hope that we stay up but I don't think Newcastle will go down with the squad they have."

Taylor added: "Kevin has not been very long and I don't think his confidence will have been knocked.

"But, as it stands the league doesn't lie, and they are well in the mire with us so it is a huge game. They've been sucked into it because of the run they are on.

"They've got a really talented squad and on their day they are more than a match for anyone.

"It's going to be extremely difficult but we're ready for the challenge and we're looking forward to it."

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