Given SHOULD Be Fit To Face Everton

By Matthew Jones
September 8 2003

Despite suffering knee and neck injuries, Shay Given should face Everton on Saturday. If not, it would more than likely hand a first-team debut to 29-year-old former Hibernian keeper Tony Caig, who signed for Newcastle in December.

Shay Given should be fit to face Everton on Saturday following doubts about his fitness.

The Republic of Ireland 'keeper has been ruled out of Ireland's friendly against Turkey this Tuesday after he suffered from neck and knee injuries in Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia.

Irish boss, Brian Kerr said: "Neither of Shay's injuries are serious"

The Magpies are already without back-up keeper Steve Harper who faces several weeks out after suffering a hamstring strain while playing for the reserve-team last week.

Should Given, not be past fit to play in the match on Saturday, it would more than likely hand a first-team debut to 29-year-old former Hibernian keeper Tony Caig, who signed for Newcastle in December.