Keegan has had to make a swift assessment of the players at his disposal and he is happy with the quality of the ex-Manchester United player.
But Smith went through a difficult period playing with Michael Owen as a strike partners, neither finding form ... or the back of the net.
Smith says he regards himself as a goalscorer, but Sir Alex Ferguson said he got more out of the ex-Leeds player when he was put in the engine room at Old Trafford in midfield.
Keegan: "Alan Smith is one of those players around the football club that are just a delight to have.
"These are the sort of guys you build the club spirit on.
"He may not play every week, but he can play in different positions."