Newcastle's renaissance following the much-heralded return of Kevin Keegan is now starting to gather pace on the back of taking 11 points from their last five league games. The Magpies looked in serious danger of being sucked into a relegation dogfight just a few shorts weeks ago but last weekend's comfortable 3-0 victory against Reading and the weekend draw at Portsmouth have seen the Toon climb to 12th place, ten points above the drop-zone. One first team regular who has been forced to watch proceedings from the sidelines over the last couple of months is Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given. The 31-year-old underwent surgery last month on a niggling groin problem that has been hampering him all season and he will miss the rest of Newcastle's campaign. Givemefootball's Mark Shail spoke exclusively to Given to get a progress report on the popular keeper.
Q:WHAT'S THE LATEST ON YOUR INJURY
A:I had an operation just over three weeks ago and they said I could be out for a total of six weeks so I guess I've got around another three weeks until I can start full training again. To be honest, I'm reluctant to put a timescale on it because the most important thing is to get the groin right.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE CLUB'S RECENT RESULTS?
A:Yes, they've been fantastic and I'm delighted for the lads but there is also an element of relief because before then we were starting to slip closer to danger. But those three wins have put us in a much better position and the players are on a high at present.
Q:IT MUST HAVE BEEN FRUSTRATING FOR YOU HAVING TO WATCH FROM THE STANDS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS?
A:It has been frustrating and I've never been the best watcher of games, I'd much rather be out there playing games and training every day. But this is part and parcel of the game that most players have to deal with at some stage of their careers and the most important thing is that the injury heals fully.
Q:NEWCASTLE HAVE HAD THEIR PROBLEMS WITH INJURIES THIS SEASON, HAVEN'T THEY?
A:Yes we've had our fair share but we can't use that as an excuse because most teams have to deal with players being out during a season. It's the same for every club but we have been more unlucky than most.
Q:YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN VOTED IN THE PFA PREMIERSHIP TEAM OF THE YEAR BY YOUR PEERS – DID DAVID JAMES GET YOUR VOTE THIS SEASON?
A:I certainly voted for him because he's had an outstanding campaign this year. Obviously it helps that Portsmouth have been flying but he is one of the main reasons for their success this season. At the moment he looks like he's really on top of his game and the best English keeper.
Q:HAVE ANY YOUNG ENGLISH GOALKEEPERS CAUGHT YOUR EYE?
A:Joe Hart at Manchester City is one that stands out for me. He's very mature for his age and looks an excellent prospect. He is certainly one for the future and a player who looks sure to represent his country.
Q:ON THE SUBJECT OF INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND APPOINTING GIOVANNI TRAPPATONI AS THE NEW COACH?
A:I'm excited about it because he's got great experience and a fantastic pedigree. It was a bit of a relief that the whole thing was finally sorted because it was starting to drag on a little bit. Now we're setting our sights on the forthcoming World Cup campaign and we're all looking forward to it.
