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 Magpies' 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 the young players since returning to Newcastle shortly after Tozer's arrival, with the 57-year-old attending almost every reserve 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 Cup-winning team – played a handful of first-team games for Swindon, and he 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."