Groin concern as Given faces missing rest of season

SHAY GIVEN could miss the rest of the Premier League season as well as Giovanni Trapattoni's first two games in charge of Ireland if it is decided during the next few days that a recurring groin injury requires surgery.

The 31-year-old, who has endured a succession of problems since colliding with Marlon Harewood against West Ham almost 18 months ago left him needing an operation on a perforated bowel, picked up the latest injury two weeks ago against Aston Villa.

He was replaced by Steve Harper with half an hour of the game remaining, but reckoned he was fit enough to start against Manchester United on Saturday. That assessment was accepted by Kevin Keegan, who then had to replace him at half-time when the injury flared up again.

"I take full responsibility for that," said Keegan. "Shay only had two weeks to get over the groin injury. He passed every fitness test, but I knew there was a slight risk playing him. He wanted to play and made every effort to get fit. But at half-time, he said (his groin) is a little bit achy. Rather than be stupid and say, 'You said you're fit so you can carry on playing', I took him off. And I thought Steve Harper did well in the second half and made a couple of great saves."

Given, though, has continued to have trouble with the injury and is to see a specialist before the end of the week. There is a strong feeling the Donegalman will be told he requires further surgery to address the problem, in which case he would be expected to be sidelined for around six weeks.

If there are any problems with his recovery, though, he could quite easily miss the remainder of his club's battle to stay in the top flight which would, in turn, undermine his prospects of taking part in Ireland's two end-of-season friendlies.

The Ireland squad are due to head for a training camp in the Algarve in the middle of May, before returning for the game against Serbia at Croke Park on May 24th. A second match, most likely against Colombia at Craven Cottage the following week, is the subject of continuing negotiations.

Given's absence from what will, in effect, be an extended opportunity for the new Ireland manager and his players to get to know each other would not, in itself, be a major blow.

When fit, his place in the team is assured and the opportunity to give international game time to one or two of his understudies would probably be viewed as welcome enough.

That Given's groin problem has flared up again, however, will prompt major concern that the goalkeeper's fitness can not be depended upon for the next World Cup qualification campaign, which gets under way with games in Georgia and Montenegro in September.

Trapattoni would have the likes of Wayne Henderson, Colin Doyle and Paddy Kenny to call upon in his absence, but the Italian is sure to be well aware of Given's importance to the side's prospects.

Newcastle coach Chris Hughton has pitched himself straight into the task of securing the club's Premier League status.

The 49-year-old, who worked alongside Martin Jol at Tottenham before his lengthy spell with the club came to an end, has begun his role as assistant manager at St James' Park after his appointment was confirmed yesterday.

Hughton's defensive expertise could prove invaluable as the Magpies, who have conceded 52 goals in 27 league games this season, 11 of them in just two matches against Manchester United, attempt to address a run which has seen them fail to win in 10 attempts.