Given warns the Premiership

By Matthew Jones
April 15 2003

Shay Given insists that Newcastle will learn from their Manchester United defeat and challenge even more strongly for the Premiership next season. He has also assured the fans that Newcastle WILL finish in the top four, earning them a Champions League place.

Newcastle to bounce back

Shay Given has insisted that after loosing 6-2 to Manchester United at St James' Park at the weekend, Newcastle will bounce back next season and challenge even more for the title, aswell as finishing in the top four this season.

"Hopefully we can give it a real good go next year," said the Newcastle and ROI international.

"We didn't start all that well this season. Had we had a better start, who knows?

"But if we can keep our key players fit next season, I think we can have a real blast."

Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton are threatening to overtake Newcastle and finish in the top four. Given warned: "It's so important that we get into the Champions League again.

"That's the place to be. It allows you to spend £9m on someone like Jonathan Woodgate. Had we not been in the Champions League this year, I don't think we could have done that."

Hopefully Newcastle will win the remaining games to keep thme in the CL for next season.