Toon Assistant Coy On Given Reports

Last updated : 27 January 2009 By Sam
The morning tabloids on Tuesday were suggesting that the Republic of Ireland keeper would be left out of the Newcastle side to face City on Wednesday night and that an announcement would then be made that Given is to move to Eastlands.

Speculation on Given's future was further questioned when news broke that Newcastle had handed an extended three year contract to Given's understudy Steve Harper.

"The only thing to read into it is that what we would like to do is keep the quality individuals here," Hughton has said.

"We have never seen Steve Harper as a number two, we have seen him as a goalkeeper who is pushing for a number one spot.

"What he has had in front of him, unfortunately for him, is a top goalkeeper in Shay Given, who has served this club very, very well.

"If you look at his performances he is performing as well as ever and he is a goalkeeper we would like to keep here.

"As regards team selection, that is something the players will always know first."