40 points is seen as the cut-off mark to avoid relegation, and the Messiah will be mighty relieved to reach that target.But he says all talk of relegation is ridiculious with the quality of players at the club.
Middlesbrough have jumped above the Magpies, and the Mackems are just three points away, so the "Cock of the North" title is wide open.
But Keegan is looking to build the foundation to take the club up the table, and the rest of the season is all about consolidation.
Keegan: "I knew when I took the job we had some very tough games. All the away matches were against sides in the top half of the table and we've got Manchester United and Chelsea at home.
"We have got enough to be a Premier League club next season but you have still got to get to that 40 point mark no matter what type of club you are."