Keegan delighted with Duff

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has hailed a rejuvenated Damien Duff after watching the midfielder plunder a hat-trick at Hartlepool. The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international struck after 40 minutes to cancel out Matty Robson's opener for the League One side, and then doubled his tally seven minutes after the break when he converted debutant Danny Guthrie's through-ball. Former Liverpool midfielder Guthrie, a half-time substitute, marked his first appearance for the club with a deflected third seconds later, but it was Duff who claimed the headlines with a deft 88th-minute finish to impress his manager. Keegan was delighted with his contribution, which suggested he is finally ready to reproduce his best form after an injury-hit first two years on Tyneside. The manager said: "He looks very sharp. It's the first time in... [read full story]