Kinnear criticises Trap comments

Magpies boss unhappy with Irish coach regarding Given

Last updated: 20th November 2008

Kinnear criticises Trap comments

Given: Touted to Serie A?

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Joe Kinnear believes Giovanni Trapattoni has been 'disrespectful' in recommending Shay Given to Italian clubs.

Republic of Ireland coach Trapattoni admitted earlier this week that he had spoken to coaches in Italy about the Newcastle United goalkeeper.

Trapattoni believes Given has the ability to be rated on a par with Italy's No.1 Gianluigi Buffon and his comments led to suggestions he was touting the shot-stopper to Serie A clubs.

Newcastle's interim manager Kinnear is unhappy with the Italian's views on Given and hopes Trapattoni was merely trying to curry favour with the 32-year-old.

"I think it's a little bit disrespectful," said Kinnear on Sky Sports News.

"Shay, I think, has got another three years here on his contract.

"Why on earth Giovanni would want to bring out a statement like that I don't know - maybe he was just getting on the good side of Shay."

Given has spent over a decade at St James' Park and has recently been linked with a move to Newcastle's Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.