The 18-year-old - signed from Swindon Town in January in a deal which could be worth more than £1m to the Robins - will be back at the club's Benton HQ on Monday after his summer break.

And having enjoyed every minute of his first few months at St James's Park, Plymouth-born Tozer cannot wait for the hard work to start ahead of the new campaign.

Boss Keegan has taken a keen interest in United's young players since returning to Newcastle shortly after Tozer's arrival.

The 57-year-old has attended almost every reserve team fixture, and Tozer says his help and encouragement has meant a lot to him.

Tozer said: "I speak to Kevin Keegan pretty much on a daily basis, and he's a really nice bloke.

"He's always very positive and keen to know how I'm doing. He's also got lots of good ideas, which he passes on to the players."

Tozer - who made the bench for the final game of last season away to Everton and captained Adam Sadler's Northumberland Senior Cup-winning team - played a handful of first-team games for Swindon, and is hoping to make an impression on Keegan in 2008-09.

However, he knows he is still some way off starting Premier League games, and the versatile player - who can play at centre-half and left-back - could well find himself loaned out for more experience in the coming season.

"I'm glad to get back to Newcastle for pre-season training - I love it," said Tozer.

"I'm only six months into my (four-year contract) with Newcastle, but I'm pleased with my progress.

"Obviously, I want to play in the first team, hopefully this season, but a lot will depend on which players we sign.

"I've been happy playing in the reserves - it's all a learning curve for me.

"I was really pleased that we won the Northumberland Cup - there is a lot of local rivalry on Tyneside.

"I've been playing centre back in the reserves, although if they want me to play at left-back that's fine, too.

"I'm working hard at getting fitter and stronger - there's already a difference in me, and I think I'll be stronger again this year."