Shay Given new deal

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has signed a new five-year contract.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has signed a new five-year contract at St James' Park.

It is a clear signal that the 30-year-old intends to see out of the rest of his career on Tyneside, where he has been for nine years - since joining from Blackburn.

Given, who was named in the PFA Premiership Team of the Year, has been made captain in light of Alan Shearer's retirement and news of his new deal is a major boost to The Magpies.

"I'm extremely delighted to get my new contract sorted," the Republic of Ireland international told the club's website.

"I'd like to thank the chairman and the board for what they've done and also all the fans for the support they've given me since I joined Newcastle United.

"I've already had nine great years here and I'm now looking forward to five more. Hopefully we can win something in that time because I'm still very hungry to win things as a Newcastle player.

"I've said before that I feel like an adopted Geordie now. The fans here are second to none and St James' Park is a fantastic place to play football."

Newcastle supremo Freddy Shepherd, who will be looking to confirm his new manager in the coming days with Glenn Roeder looking likely to stay at the helm, was delighted to have sealed the Given deal.

"Getting the deal done with Shay is a great way to start the summer," he said.

"Some of the saves he has made over the past season have been absolutely brilliant.

"He's Mr Reliable - he's only missed two Premiership matches in the last five seasons and we wouldn't swap him for anyone."