Newcastle United Football Club News

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Given rejects Sam rift

07 Sep 2007 - 11:03:27

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has welcomed the influence of new manager Sam Allardyce at St James' Park.

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international was rumoured to be unhappy with his lot after being left out of the team for the 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic, but Given says he is more than content with life on Tyneside.

Given told the South Shields Gazette: "Sam has got his own ideas and is very much into fitness and the sports science and nutritional sides of things, and how best to recover in time for the next game.

"He has opened our eyes to things we weren't aware of in the past and I think it will help everyone connected with the club to become stronger and fitter, and invariably a better player."

Steve Harper, who has won the nod over Given in the early weeks of the new campaign after the Irishman suffered a groin problem, added: "Things have been good for me on and off the field as I have not missed a minute's training in the two months since we got back.

"It was unfortunate for Shay to get injured, but to play in the first four Premier League matches is a big bonus for me."