Newcastle defender David Rozehnal has said that he believes the Magpies will climb up the Premier League table under newly-appointed manager Kevin Keegan.

Rozehnal declared that this season United can finish in the top six, plus long-term meet Toon legend Keegan's objective of breaking the top-four hegemony of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

"Keegan is a big change - and I daresay already that it is a change for the better," he told Pravo. "I am convinced that under him we will go up the table.

"Look at Newcastle's squad: it is of high quality. Keegan's objective is certainly realistic.

"Not this season perhaps, but we still can compete to finish in the top six. Next season we should attack the top four."

The 27-year-old centre-half revealed that to play in midfield against Bolton at the weekend, despite a dull goalless draw, was a dream come true.

"The positive factor is that we had a clean sheet," he continued. "In games before this one we had conceded useless goals. Against Bolton we just needed one goal and had chances to score.

"After nearly a year I played in central midfield. Six months ago I would not have thought that I could play in midfield in the Premier League.

"It was also one of my dreams to play in this position - and it has now come true."

Rozehnal, who joined the northeast club from Paris St Germain in the summer, said that he is yet to discuss his future with Keegan. He is already impressed by the new-look man-management approach.

"So far there has been no time for talks, but he has said that he will have a chat with each of us. I am looking forward to it.

"He wants to give everyone a chance, to put all the players on the starting line, no matter what reputation and achievements have gone before.

"He said that the best players will play. That is a big motivation for me.

"He has natural authority - that is why he is a legend of English and world football. To us players he is more like a friend, one of us.

"The preparation for the Bolton game was completely different to under Sam Allardyce. Keegan was sitting amongst us, told each player what he wanted from him in the game and motivated them as if he was an older team-mate.

"This is exactly what we need. Keegan, to us, is simply a friend in bad weather."

Jonathan Symcox & Vasek Kadlec / Eurosport