Less immediate than their six matches without defeat, less tangible than ushering them to safety, Kevin Keegan has brought something of equal importance to Newcastle United: he has taught the club to believe again. Only on Tyneside could a largely dismal season be drawing to a close with players and supporters fantasising about winning silverware.

While Keegan's second managerial stint at St James' Park is still in its infancy, the gloomy introspection that featured prominently under Sam Allardyce has been banished.

Through a combination of important victories, including Sunday's 2-0 win over Sunderland, Newcastle's local rivals, and Keegan's passion, there is just cause for optimism.

The sight of Mike Ashley dancing in the directors' box before going to congratulate his players in the dressing-room will have been seized upon by Keegan, whose next priority will be to persuade Newcastle's billionaire owner to provide funds for player acquisitions this summer. A club with a renewed sense of their own soul can only be a more attractive prospect for prospective transfer targets.

Newcastle have not lifted a meaningful trophy since 1969, when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the precursor to the Uefa Cup. A relegation battle is not the most obvious place to begin planning an assault on Wembley, but such is the effect that Keegan has.

“We all know what it would do to this club if we were to win a trophy,” Steve Harper, the goalkeeper and a survivor from Keegan's first spell on Gallowgate, said. “That's the aim; that's what Kevin wants to do in his time here. That's what Michael Owen wants to do - that's what we all want to do because we know how the 1969 team are still talked about.

“It's going to be the 40th anniversary of us winning the Fairs Cup next year and what a time it would be to put another bit of silverware in the cabinet. It would be amazing. Everyone heard what the atmosphere was like just from us winning a derby match, but if we actually won a trophy, you wouldn't be able to move in the city. It would be incredible.

“The great thing, the encouraging thing, is that we're all dreaming again and we're talking about winning a trophy instead of talking about the r-word. It's been a real up-and-down season, but it's nice to finish on a high. The intensity and tempo of training has paid off. I knew what it was like under Kevin from the last time he was here. The lads are working hard, but with smiles on their faces.”

Owen has played a pivotal role in Newcastle's renaissance, scoring six goals in his past six appearances and leading by example; his contract expires at the end of next season and his team-mates are eager for him to stay. “Michael is a fantastic captain,” Harper said. “He's played nearly 90 times for England, he's a top international player and everyone here looks up to him. Hopefully, he can lead this club for the foreseeable future and who's to say that his best years aren't still ahead of him?

“His commitment has never been in doubt. When he was injured, he worked his socks off, but people don't see what goes on behind the scenes. He requested a one-on-one physio so he could get back as fast as possible. We must keep hold of him and I'm sure we will.”