Tuesday Mar 18 2008 13:33
Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given will miss most of the remainder of the season after being forced to undergo surgery on a nagging groin injury.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international has already been sidelined for nearly a month, with Steve Harper stepping in to deputise for Kevin Keegan's side.
A short statement on the club's official website: "After consultation with Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, Shay Given will have surgery in Munich today (Tuesday) to cure his recurrent groin problems.
"He is expected to make a full recovery and will be absent for a six-week period."
Meanwhile, Magpies chairman Chris Mort has admitted that he is surprised by his club's struggles near the wrong end of the Premier League table.
He told The Gazette: "It's been a tough run for all of us. The players on the pitch are the only guys who can turn it round, but everybody at the club is working as hard as they can to achieve that.
"This certainly isn't what we bought into last summer. However, this is an incredibly competitive league and we are where we are.
"The table doesn't lie and we need to make sure we get points on the board and make sure we secure our Premier League status."
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