Tuesday 3 April 2018 13:35, UK
Newcastle United legend Shay Given has urged Mike Ashley to "dip into his resources" and back Rafa Benitez financially this summer in order to make the club competitive again.
The former Newcastle goalkeeper, who was recently voted the club's greatest 'keeper, finished third in the Premier League with the club and made a total of 20 appearances in the Champions League during his 12-year spell on Tyneside.
Having witnessed the club drop out of the Premier League twice under Ashley in recent years, Given wants to see the Newcastle owner back the club's current manager Benitez to get them back amongst "big boys."
"It's great to see them back and staying in the Premier League for next season." Given told Premier League Daily.
"Hopefully Mike Ashley does dip into his resources and give Rafa finances in the summer to build the club up.
"During my time at Newcastle, we were in the Champions League and challenging for the Premier League, that's where that club belongs.
"But for that to happen, Rafa needs the backing of the owner and hopefully he gets that in the summer.
"So far he's had to wheel and deal but you wish he had a bit more money to compete with the league's big boys."
One of Benitez's recent dealings in the transfer market was Deadline Day signing Martin Dubravka, who joined on loan from Czech side Sparta Prague. The Slovakia international goalkeeper has so far impressed during his short spell at St James' Park and Given believes Rafa would be "mad not tie him down on a long-term deal."
"His debut against Manchester Untied was Roy of the Rovers stuff." Given added.
"Coming to a new country, new language, new league and he looked like he had been there for 10 years.
"It was a fantastic debut and I think it has given the whole team and football club a lift with his positivity, whether that be coming to collect crosses and or making some vital saves.
"When you do make a big save up there, the crowd is amazing, It's nearly like scoring a goal - they're up behind you and you get huge support.
"Rafa was wanting a 'keeper for the last 18 months and it's only a loan deal, but he would be mad not to die him down on a long-term deal."
Newcastle side sit 12th in the Premier League table and are seven points ahead of third from bottom Southampton, but Given admits Benitez will not be accepting safety from relegation just yet.
"Rafa will be saying we're not 100 per cent safe because it's not mathematically done," said the former Republic of Ireland international.
"The [1-0] win at the weekend over Huddersfield was huge. A six pointer and such a big game.
"Had they had lost that game the look on the table would be completely different but that gives them belief and they deserved the three points too. They were the better team on the day."
