Prior to kick-off at St James’ Park, it was revealed that Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer and is beginning treatment in hospital.

Newcastle’s fans chanted Keegan’s name prior to kick-off, and choruses of ‘There’s only one Kevin Keegan’ rang around the stadium at regular intervals during the game.

The former Magpies boss was famed for his ‘Entertainers’, with a 4-3 scoreline featuring in a couple of classic matches during his first spell in charge, so last night’s events felt apt.

And having marvelled at Keegan’s heroics during his time in charge on Tyneside, Keegan was proud to have watched his players live up to the 74-year-old’s legacy.

“That team that Kevin created was incredibly special and is still talked about – and quite rightly so – for what it achieved and how it played and the entertainment that it gave everybody,” said Howe, whose side have climbed to sixth in the table after claiming a third successive victory.

“We are always trying to be that team, we want to entertain, we want the supporters here to be on the edge of their seats. Sometimes, unfortunately, we can't...