Keegan: Overjoyed

Related links

Teams

• Newcastle United

Players

• Habib Beye

Also see

• Newcastle fixtures
• Newcastle stats
• Newcastle forum

Kevin Keegan was delighted with the performance of his Newcastle side following the 3-0 victory over Reading.

Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka all found the target to secure the Magpies' third successive win in the Premier League.

Keegan was not only happy with the display of his strikers but also every other member of his team, including Habib Beye, who he feels is currently the best right-back in the division.

"The players deserved everything they got," the Newcastle boss told Sky Sports.

"Without ever reaching the heights of the Tottenham performance, we played some good football, we defended well when we had to, and we limited a committed Reading side to one shot on goal.

"The front three all got a goal apiece, and the midfield I thought were superb.

"Joey Barton got man of the match but I think you could have given it to four or five players.

Outstanding Beye

"I thought Habib Beye was outstanding. If there's a better right-back in the Premier League than him, I'm sure there are one or two, but I'm not sure they are playing as well as he is."

Newcastle had not won under Keegan before the victory over Fulham a fortnight ago, but the manager insists it was only ever going to be a matter of time before the team came good.

He explained: "We've got the confidence and belief that comes with getting a few results. There's no way you could look at that squad of players, with the quality and experience we have, and say they can't play good football.

"They just lost their way a bit. Some results hurt, like conceding six goals in the second half against Manchester United.

"They've taken a lot of knocks, even since I've been here, but they've not felt sorry for themselves and they've bounced back."