Shay Given has more reasons than most to celebrate as Newcastle's season draws to a close. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has seen the Magpies enjoy a fine end of season run, which has put them in contention for a UEFA Cup place as well as being handed the captain's armband. After beating West Brom 3-0 on Saturday his perfect weekend was completed by being named in the PFA Premiership Team of the Year once again. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke to Given in the aftermath of their victory over Albion and discovered he has plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
Q:WHEN DID YOU FIND OUT THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BE CAPTAIN FOLLOWING ALAN SHEARER'S INJURY?
A:I found out on Thursday morning when Glenn (Roeder) called me into the office and I wasn't sure whether it was that I was going to be captain or not because the last time he called me in it was to tell me it was not me but Scott Parker. He said I am captain until the end of the season and I was delighted especially as it was my 30th birthday as well. That made it extra special leading the team out and a very proud day for me.
Q:IS THERE LIFE AFTER SHEARER?
A:Of course there is. He would be the first to say Newcastle is bigger than any player and there has to be life after him. He will be hard to replace, no doubt, but we have to move on as a football club. There is a big gap to be filled now and it is going to be difficult to fill it but we have to move on and Alan would be the first to say that.
Q:WHAT HAS THE MOOD BEEN LIKE WHEN YOU REALISED HE WASN'T GOING TO PLAY FOR NEWCASTLE AGAIN?
A:Realising he is not going to pull the jersey on again is emotional. It has been for everyone. I knew him at Blackburn and he is not just a teammate but a good friend and it is emotional to think he is not going to play, wear the jersey or lead the team out again. It seems strange but that is the case. We were at a charity dinner in London on Tuesday, came back on the Wednesday and there was great big banner on the stadium saying thanks for ten great years and it sunk in even more. It is emotional for me, so I don't know how he is feeling but he has been fantastic.
Q:YOU ARE NOW ONE OF THE ELDER STATESMEN OF THE TEAM AREN'T YOU?
A:I am 30 now, so I am pushing on a bit. I have to say the lads have been fantastic I didn't have a save to make all game against Albion and we had a makeshift team as well but we did well. They didn't play that well but that was down to us not letting them play.
Q:WHAT HAS LIFE BEEN LIKE UNDER GLENN ROEDER SINCE HE TOOK OVER THE REINS?
A:Glenn has done a fantastic job. He said from day one he wanted it on a caretaker basis, so you would have to ask him if he wants it permanently and ask the chairman what is actually going on because, as players, we know as much as you guys what is going on behind the scenes. Glenn has been fantastic and he can go on to the end of the season and he deserves that. He has got us up to sixth in the league and it is remarkable what he has done so if the club are not getting Martin (O'Neill) in, Glenn has to have a chance.
Q:HOW WOULD THE PLAYERS FEEL IF HE WAS OFFERED THE JOB PERMANENTLY?
A:If he is full time in charge it might change a little, but I can only go on what he has done since he has been in charge and it is all about results. He has had some fantastic results. It is difficult to know what he has done, but he has kept it simple and kept us defensively tighter. If we keep clean sheets and keep it tighter we have a better chance of winning games and we have players to get goals. He has emphasised that and Craig Moore and Titus Bramble have been excellent in the last few games. If you have a solid base it spreads confidence throughout the team.
Q:YOU'VE BEEN ON A GOOD RUN OF LATE, HAVEN'T YOU?
A:Yes, and I wish our season didn't have to end. If we can get six points from our last two games then that would be remarkable turnaround. We have a tough game next week but we are full of confidence and will go to Birmingham who are fighting for their lives and try to win the game as well.
Q:WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ALAN SHEARER MEMORY?
A:I was asked at the dinner the other night and it is hard to pick out one thing to remember him for but the goal against Everton was voted as one of the best ever so it would perhaps be that. It was a fantastic goal, with the trademark celebration - wheeling away with one hand to salute the Gallowgate End and I am sure people will watch videos over the years and remember what a fantastic player he was.
Q:WILL HE BE MISSED IN THE DRESSING ROOM?
A:It is the overall package as he is a fantastic leader off and on the pitch. There is a big gap going to be left, even at the minute it seems strange to think he will never play again. You need to find someone of his calibre over the summer but how do you find someone like that? They are not round every corner so it will be a difficult void to fill.
