Kevin Keegan rules out boss return

Former England boss Kevin Keegan has backed the Midlands presence in the Premier League – but ruled out an immediate return as a manager.

The former Newcastle chief is a big fan of the Midlands rivalry and believes Villa, Wolves and Albion enhance the Premier League.

However, Keegan – who was part of the formidable Liverpool title-winning teams of the 1970s – believes it will be tough for the likes of Villa, Wolves and Albion to break into the top six.

He said: "The Black Country derby is a very special occasion and it's a pity that we won't have the Second City clash this season.

"I was delighted to see Wolves stay up last season and I think Albion have done very well. It is a well run club.

"For Villa it is a new era with a fresh manager so we will have to wait and see. But is very difficult to break into the top six."

Keegan, who grew up admiring the Wolves side of the late 1950s, added: "I hope Birmingham come back up.

"For the area it is great having four local derbies."

The 60-year-old added he was content with his career as a pundit at present and, if England decide to go with an Englishman after Fabio Capello, believes there is only one option.

He said: "I am very happy doing what I am doing, I work with ESPN which I like doing as I am watching a lot of football.

"For the next England manager there is very little choice, Harry Redknapp is the only man I can think of."

Keegan was in the Second City as part of the No Power road show hosted by Npower.

The football fun-day aims to encourage families to do something which does not involve electricity for an hour each day.