Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Surgery setback for Given

18 Sep 2006 - 10:59:04

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Newcastle United are set to be without Shay Given for at least six weeks after the goalkeeper required surgery on a stomach injury sustained in the 2-0 win at West Ham.

The Republic of Ireland custodian had to be stretchered off late on in the game at Upton Park, having been kicked in the stomach by Hammers forward Marlon Harewood.

Magpies boss Glenn Roeder told the club's official website: "Shay has had surgery to repair a small tear in his lower stomach.

"He is comfortable and will have a short stay in hospital.

"We'll let things settle down now and it's too early to be putting any date on when he'll be expected back."

Steve Harper, who came on against the Hammers, is set to be handed a rare run of games in the United first team.