Alan Brazil believes that Newcastle United should have replaced Eddie Howe with Kieran McKenna.

Howe departed the Toon by mutual consent last week, and the Magpies are poised to announce Matthias Jaissle as their new manager.

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The German is set to leave Saudi club Al Ahli to take on the role at St James' Park as a new era looks set to begin on Tyneside.

The Northern Irishman led Ipswich Town to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League for the second time.

But he decided not to take on the job of keeping the Tractor Boys in the top-flight, and he ended up not taking the Fulham role either.

However, speaking on his return to talkSPORT Breakfast after a liver transplant, Brazil suggested McKenna for the Toon job.

Speaking with Gabby Agbonlahor, he said: "You know who I thought would be perfect for there? Kieran McKenna, who left Ipswich.

"I thought he would have been absolutely perfect.

"And though he wanted some time away, you know that when the season comes around, you think, 'I am going to miss this.'"

Brazil then speculated Celtic as an option for McKenna.

He said: "But I would have thought that McKenna would be on the radar, maybe even Celtic if Martin [O'Neill] has a good run and decides to call it a day. He would be perfect."

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Brazil made this suggestion before it was revealed O'Neill was taken to hospital to undergo a procedure. Celtic said in a statement on Wednesday added that O'Neill is expected to be out of hospital 'in the next day or two' and there's no suggestion this could lead O'Neill to leaving his post.

New man in Toon

Howe was one of the longest serving managers in the Premier League, but he informed the club he wanted to leave a few weeks ago.

talkSPORT understands that he agreed to stay on until the Toon closed in on an appointment.

That man is Jaissle, whose official confirmation as Newcastle manager has been delayed due to a hold-up on the end of Saudi club Al Ahli.

However, he's been pictured in La Manga with the rest of the Newcastle squad ahead of their next pre-season game against Valencia on Saturday.

And his first competitive game in charge will be against Liverpool at St James' Park on Sunday, August 23.

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Jaissle is something of an unknown quantity to a Premier League audience but Agbonlahor feels the German's achievements are better than initially thought.

He said: "I think people might look at the fact he's managed in Saudi Arabia...

"But when you look at his background, he won two Austrian championships in 2021 and 2022.

"He won the Austrian cup with Red Bull Salzburg and led them to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history.

"So, he's obviously a good manager."

And that is backed up by German football expert Seb Stafford-Bloor, who mentioned Jaissle's achievements in Saudi.

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"This is exciting. Mathhias Jaissle's roots are in the Red Bull system, so he's as you would expect with direct football and aggression off trhe ball," Stafford-Bloor told talkSPORT.

"He's a very passionate character, very active on the touchline, and he's won back-to-back Asian Champions Leagues, which are the first continental trophies in Al Ahli's history.

"He's done a terrific job and is still only 38. This is a guy who is still growing, and he's a fascinating character."

Brazil, though, isn't too sure as he responded: "Interesting. I am looking forward to it, but whether he'll last or not, I don't know.

"Newcastle fans must be scratching their heads at this season."

McKenna's future

When McKenna left Ipswich, he made it clear in his statement that he wanted to spend some time with his family.

He said: "It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.

"When you have the connection that we have built at this club, there is never a good time to say goodbye.

"However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.

"I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.

"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."