Keegan is awaiting developments on the transfer front as the Magpies hierarchy go about the business of strengthening a squad which has shrunk since last season.

However, Cameroon international Geremi believes he and the likes of Shay Given, Steve Harper, Habib Beye, Nicky Butt, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka can bring their knowledge to bear once again when the new season gets under way.

Their experience proved vital as last season reached crunch point with Newcastle entrenched in a battle for Barclays Premier League survival.

Harper deputised admirably for the injured Given in goal, while Beye's contribution at right-back, the industry of Butt and Geremi in midfield and vital goals from strikers Owen and Viduka proved invaluable as Keegan's men put together a seven-game unbeaten run just when they needed it most.

Geremi, 29, said: "If you look at the squad, there are a few players who have as much experience as me, and we must all help.

"We had this horrific period, and at that time, the senior players had to lift the young players who didn't have the experience.

"Now we have to continue that."

Geremi and his team-mates are due to return to pre-season training next Monday, although Viduka's Achilles problem means he remains a doubt for the start of the campaign in August.

The club are still waiting to make a breakthrough in the summer transfer market.

However, with Euro 2008 now over and most Premier League clubs preparing to return to action next week, the level of activity should increase sharply.

The job of implementing Keegan's recruitment plans has been placed in the hands of executive director of football Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez, the vice-president with responsibility for player recruitment.

Both men are understood to be in Dubai amid speculation club owner Mike Ashley is seeking fresh investment.

There were fresh weekend reports that Arsenal could target Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins should they allow Emmanuel Adebayor to leave the Emirates Stadium.

With Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage, Lamine Diatta, David Rozehnal and James Troisi having already left St James' Park, and Turkey midfielder Emre seemingly certain to join them, the need for new signings is increasing.

Newcastle have been linked with FC Basle striker Eren Derdiyok, along with a series of other names.

Whatever they achieve over the next few weeks, Geremi hopes to be able to play his part next season after battling his way back into favour.

The 29-year-old departed for African Nations Cup duty in January having lost his place in the team and been stripped of the captaincy by then manager Sam Allardyce.

On his return from Ghana, where he helped his country finish runners-up to Egypt, Geremi found himself having to impress a new boss.

James Milner's foot injury gave him his chance, and he proved a valuable asset as Newcastle dragged themselves out of trouble.

He said: "When I came back from Ghana, I wanted to play, of course, but I knew I had to wait as Kevin Keegan was checking other players.

"I trained, he saw the way I play and he adjusted the team."