New Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is keeping the seat warm for Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer

Interim manager Joe Kinnear says he's taken on a "massive challenge" at Newcastle and that he's well aware the reason he had been given the job was that it had been turned down by a number of Newcastle's targets.

He also told Radio Five Live that he will be in charge for six games, and then his understanding was that new owners would bring back Keegan along with Alan Shearer.

"I think the club's going to be sold at the beginning of October and Chris Hughton needs all the help he can get," he said.

Kinnear also said he met Ashley this morning but has yet to talk to Dennis Wise, Newcastle's executive director (football).

"I'm desperate to get back into the game myself," said Kinnear, who confirmed he would not be at tomorrow's game at St James' Park against Blackburn and will take up his temporary post on Monday.

"I am very excited about the challenge in front of me at Newcastle United.

"Results have not been great of late, but there is a lot of quality in the squad and I am very confident the players are capable of climbing the league table.

"Newcastle United is a great club. When I was in charge of Wimbledon, I always remember the passion of the fans up there and how great a stadium St James' Park is.

"It is a big challenge, but one I am really looking forward to."

"If I do a good job who knows?"

Click here for the Mirror.co.uk guide to Joe Kinnear

What do you think of Newcastle's new manager? Let us know over on the Premier League fan blog

Think you can outwit our Football Pools experts John Barnes, Tony Cascarino and Graham Poll? Then have a crack at the Football Pools

Follow every Premier League game live with our brilliant Match Tracker