The 61-year-old takes his side to Wigan on Boxing Day on the back of a six-game unbeaten run which has eased them into 12th place in the table, and reminded the English game of the talent he brought to Wimbledon's improbable rise to top-flight prominence.

Kinnear was drafted in by desperate Magpies owner Mike Ashley in September when, with Kevin Keegan having gone and other candidates reluctant, he agreed to take over as manager on an interim basis.

Two defeats for Newcastle in 12 games shows the job he has done since, and that is a record he hopes has proved he still has what it takes.

Kinnear said: "I have always put 110% into anything I do in my life. I am aware - and it has repeatedly been said to me - that I was never first choice here, but nevertheless, that's behind me now.

"I am only looking forward at how the future pans out for me. I am not really worried who gets in my way.

"I just carry on doing exactly what I am doing. I am going to get the best out of these players and I am going to get Newcastle into the top 10 to stay there permanently.

"Where that takes me at the end of the year is another question, I couldn't answer that.

"But until then, I shall certainly be doing my best - and quite honestly, I have got nothing to lose."

Kinnear initially took charge for just six weeks, but after accepting a series of month-long extensions, was handed a contract until the end of the season.

Now he is intent on making himself indispensable at St James' Park, although with the club still up for sale, he knows that will not be up to him, and may not be up to the billionaire who recruited him in the first place.

Asked if his time on Tyneside has made him even hungrier to return to the game on a permanent basis, Kinnear said: "Absolutely, for sure, and I am sure if I am successful here, it will lead on to something else.

"I would dearly love to stay here permanently, but that's out of my hands."

That scenario was simply not on the cards for a frustrated Kinnear a year ago as he was repeatedly passed over for jobs following his departure from Nottingham Forest in December 2004.

He said: "I haven't stopped banging on doors, but this is amazing, I didn't have to bang on the door, this was put to me.

"I had tried numerous other clubs and never got anywhere, but you have to take these opportunities when they come.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime job, I am delighted that I got it and I am doing everything I can to keep it."

Newcastle set themselves up for a tough Christmas programme with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Tottenham last Sunday, but with leaders Liverpool heading for Tyneside after the game at the JJB Stadium, Kinnear knows things will not get any easier.

He said: "As optimistic and as good as we are at present, that can all go pear-shaped if you take things for granted.

"These two games are very difficult and it's a must, as far as I am concerned, that we stay on the run we are on.

"We have got to go to Wigan and get something and of course, we have got to make sure we beat Liverpool in the game after that."

The Magpies will be without injured strikers Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi at Wigan, but are hopeful both could be available to face Liverpool on Saturday.