Shay Given will not rejoin Newcastle, says manager Chris Hughton

20 September 2010 15:33
Republic of Ireland international Given, 34, has lost his Manchester City place to Joe Hart this season and is desperate for regular football. [LNB]However, despite seeing 35-year-old Harper, the man who for so long acted as back-up to the Irishman during his 11-and-a-half-year stay on Tyneside, suffer a nasty shoulder injury at Everton on Saturday, Hughton will not be contacting City counterpart Roberto Mancini. [LNB] Related ArticlesMancini: Given can quit CityWigan 0 Manchester City 2Wigan Athletic v Manchester City: liveWigan v Man City: match previewMilner takes centre stageSilva calls on City fans to be patientAsked about the speculation, he said: "I can understand that one and it is a very emotional one as well, but no, I can categorically say that won't be happening." [LNB]Newcastle's position on Given is perhaps equally understandable with the keeper having finally lost patience with life at St James' in the wake of a humiliating 5-1 home defeat by Liverpool in December 2008. [LNB]He made it clear he wanted to play his football elsewhere and eventually got his wish when City pushed through an £8m swoop for him at the end of the following month. [LNB]Having waited so long for his chance, Harper and his team-mates suffered the misery of relegation at the end of that season, but he proved a more than capable replacement as they regained their top-flight status at the first attempt. [LNB]However, his luck changed for the worse on Saturday when he landed awkwardly after an untidy challenge by striker Jermaine Beckford and damaged a ligament in his shoulder. [LNB]The full extent of the injury is still being assessed, but Hughton admitted Harper could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. [LNB]He said: "The important thing for us is to asses where Steve Harper is at this particular moment. [LNB]"What we do know is it is a ligament injury to his shoulder. That will be assessed over the next couple of days. [LNB]"It is probably a little bit unfair to state how long he will be out for because at this moment, we don't know. But it will be for a period of time. [LNB]"It's a massive disappointment for him. He is a player who I felt was the best goalkeeper in the Championship last season. [LNB]"He has worked very, very hard to get to the level he has and has started the season very well for us. [LNB]"Any significant injury that is going to keep a player out for a period of time is a big blow, particularly when it is the person who is between the posts." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph