Source: Telegraph
Shay Given 'not leaving' Newcastle says Joe Kinnear
Kinnear spoke after the Irish international's lawyer, Michael Kennedy, revealed his client was considering his future having become "despondent" at the club's demise with Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City all interested in his services.[LNB]Despite Kennedy's public pronouncement, Given will be included in the Newcastle side that will face Hull City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday at the KC Stadium.[LNB]"Shay is contracted until 2011, he is our player and he is going to stay our player, it's as simple as that," Kinnear told reporters at Newcastle's Darsley Park training ground.[LNB]"He is an integral part of the team and he is the best goalkeeper by miles in the league so why should we jeopardise our chances when we are in the position we are.[LNB]"It wouldn't make sense so as far as I am concerned he is going to stay as our player.[LNB]"I had a long chat with Shay today. It was the first thing we did. We had half-an-hour over a coffee together. We stayed in my office and talked through everything.[LNB]"He is fine. He wants to do the best he possibly can. He has had 11½ years here and he has been a fantastic servant to the club. He will be doing the best he possible can like he normally does tomorrow."[LNB]Given's frustrations have boiled over following the 5-1 home defeat by Liverpool that left the Tyneside club facing a grim fight against relegation.[LNB]Kinnear added: "He trained very well today and he will start tomorrow. He will definitely be in the team tomorrow.[LNB]"There are all these distractions going on but all I am focused on is football not on the politics of what is happening. As far as I am concerned I am going to keep every single player we have got that I think can contribute to keeping us up in the Premiership.[LNB]"I'm not going to weaken my chances. The fact is I'm looking to add to the squad. It's as simple as that." [LNB]
