Keegan was rejected by his boyhood heroes Doncaster Rovers as a teenager, and started his career at nearby Scunthorpe United.

And he only once played at the club's former home of Belle Vue in his long career, and that was on the way to winning the 1974 FA Cup final with Liverpool, who defeated Newcastle in the final at Wembley.

Now in the Championship after last season's play-off win, ambitious Doncaster play out of the 15,000-capacity Keepmoat Stadium.

The new ground is a far cry from dilapidated Belle Vue, and Keegan is looking forward to taking United to South Yorkshire for the second of Newcastle's pre-season friendlies.

Keegan told the Gazette: "I've been to Doncaster with Man City, but I don't think I went with Newcastle first time around (as manager).

"I didn't play there until Liverpool went there for a cup match.

"It was the season we won the FA Cup against Newcastle, funnily enough. In the third round, Doncaster came to Anfield and drew 2-2 with us. They nearly put us out.

"We went there for the replay during the power cut – it was the time when the games were played in the afternoon – and we beat them. Of course, we went on to win the FA Cup.

"So I have played there, but never as a kid.

"I never went there with Scunthorpe because we were in different divisions.

"It's a new stadium now as well. Belle Vue, where I used to go and watch them, has gone, and they've done tremendously well. It'll be another good test for us."

For the first report from tomorrow's game at the Keepmoat Stadium, log on to www.shieldsgazette.com.