Newcastle United Football Club

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Given commits to Magpies

24 Jun 2008 - 08:25:57

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Goalkeeper Shay Given has pledged his future to Newcastle United following reports linking him with moves to other Premier League clubs.

The long-serving Republic of Ireland international has been linked with Arsenal and Aston Villa already this summer.

However, the 32-year-old claims he is settled on Tyneside and happy to remain with the Magpies.

Given joined Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers in 1997 and has gone on to make more than 330 first-team appearances.

He finished the last campaign on the sidelines after a long-running groin injury required surgery.

"I have three years left on my contract and I am very settled in the north-east," said Given.

"I've been keeping fit and training hard since my groin operation and in a couple of weeks I'll be able to join up with Newcastle again for the start of pre-season.

"It's a great football club with fantastic fans, so I have no reason to leave."