Celtic confirm Given interest

Shay Given expects to know soon if he will be returning to Celtic, the club he left in some disillusionment four years ago.

Celtic have confirmed their interest in the player whose future at Newcastle United is in some doubt following renewed speculation linking Portugal's goalkeeper Vitor Baia with the club.

Given has been out of contract at Newcastle since the end of last season and believes that manager Bobby Robson is dragging his feet in offering him a new, improved deal.

Now, he insists he will have no difficulty in talking with Celtic, despite their decision to offload him without giving him a first-team trial.

"I have been in negotiation with Newcastle about a new contract but nothing has been sorted out," he said. "If Celtic came in for me, I'd be interested in moving back to the club."