Shay Given Guaranteed Brilliant Reception

04 February 2012 12:49
Shay Given will finally return to St James' Park for the first time as a player on Sunday, and he is guaranteed a fabulous reception.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper made 462 Newcastle United appearances between 1997 and 2009.

Alan Pardew: “I do not know Shay well but I met him last time we played them and he impressed me as a person.

“His record here was second to none. Our goalkeeper Tim Krul is doing brilliantly and if he can replicate what Shay did here he will have had a brilliant career.

“I like Darren (Bent).

“He is a good pro and we have to be careful. We have worked out Villa are the fastest team on the break outside a couple of others, so we will have to be on our guard.

“We do not want to expose ourselves in terms of committing too many players forward.

“No team carries Darren Bent. His link-up play maybe is not his number one asset but he can do it.

“You want him at the top of the pitch scoring goals, you do not want him linking play. I have no problem with the way he plays.”

Source: FOOTYMAD