Shay display 'a Given'

Newcastle delighted by goalkeeper's professional performance

Last updated: 3rd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Shay display 'a Given'

Given take: Shay Given gets down well to save

He is a top quality goalkeeper and a top quality individual - but we wouldn't expect anything different from him.

Hughton on Shay Given
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Newcastle assistant boss Chris Hughton claimed the club expected nothing less than a thoroughly professional performance from Shay Given at Hull City in the 0-0 FA Cup draw.

Despite a statement this week from his representative suggesting he was unsettled, Given produced a number of excellent saves in an entertaining third round tie.

Both sides had numerous opportunities to settle an end-to-end encounter but two stops from Given to deny Daniel Cousin caught the eye.

Hughton, Joe Kinnear's number two, said: "We have got used to that type of performance from him.

"He is a top quality goalkeeper and a top quality individual - but we wouldn't expect anything different from him."

Hull thought they had scored from a Michael Turner header in the second half.

Turner's effort rebounded onto the post and bar off Damien Duff and Given smothered it as it bounced down, with referee Chris Foy ruling it had not crossed the line.

Hughton felt the decision was correct while Tigers boss Phil Brown did not complain.

Hughton said: "I have seen it again, and as per normal you look at the reactions of players.

Impossible

"Their players are always going to see it going over the line and ours could see it for what is was, hit the crossbar, went into Shay Given's hands and certainly not over the line."

Brown said: "You can go on about goalline technology but it is inconclusive and impossible for the linesman to give that.

"Shay does look like he has stepped over the line to save the ball.

"Damien Duff has done fantastically at the back post to get a touch, certainly if he doesn't Michael Turner scores."

After three successive defeats, Brown was pleased with the Tigers' display. He said: "Both sides endeavoured to win the game, no doubt about it.

"I am pleased with the performance. It is getting the balance right between entertaining, winning football and that clean-sheet mentality and in the last two games we have got back to that ugly side of the game."

Hughton felt Newcastle were unfortunate not to have snatched victory.

Hughton was speaking on behalf of Kinnear, who has had a difficult relationship with the media since taking charge this season and decided not to address the press.

Hughton said: "Every now and again his throat gets a little sore - he does a lot of shouting on the touchline."