Kinnear insists Given won't be leaving Toon

SOCCER:Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear today once again insisted goalkeeper Shay Given is going nowhere amid speculation he is set to leave the club this month. Kinnear spoke out after the Irishman's lawyer, Michael Kennedy, last night revealed his disappointment at the way the club's fortunes have dwindled since he signed a five-year contract in 2006.

However, amid reports that Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are ready to battle it out for his services — Arsene Wenger has since denied that the Gunners have made an approach — the Magpies boss repeated his message of earlier this week.

He said: "I'm not sure of the facts that he (Kennedy) has said that or how it's been interpreted, but what I will say is Shay is contracted until 2011.

"He is our player and he is going to stay our player, it's as simple as that.

"We are not interested at all (in selling him). I want to clear that — that is probably the last time I will be talking about it.

"He is here, he is our player and he is going to stay our player.

"He is an integral part of the team, he is the best goalkeeper by miles in the league, so why should we jeopardise our chances in the position we are in?

"It wouldn't make sense, so as far as I am concerned, he is going to stay our player."

Kinnear revealed he had spent half an hour with Given before training this morning discussing the matter and is convinced he will continue to perform at his best for the club he joined in 1997.

He also confirmed the 32-year-old will start tomorrow's FA Cup third-round tie at Hull.

The 62-year-old said: "He trained very well today and he will start tomorrow. He will definitely be in the team tomorrow.

"With all these distractions that are going on, I am focussed on football, not on the politics of what is happening.

"As far as I am concerned, I am going to keep every single player that we have got that I think can contribute to us staying in the Premier League. I am not going to weaken my chances.

"We are going to stay up, we are going to keep our players here and the fact is I am looking to add, it's as simple as that, and if I can add to it, we will be even better."

Wenger, meanwhile, dismissed reports that Arsenal were interested in signing Given in the transfer window.

"We have not made any enquiry about Shay Given," said the Frenchman. "I have a high regard for him as a player but we do not look for a goalkeeper.

"I don't believe it helps you (when players link themselves with clubs) but as well I believe it is what we call in this job 'normal business' and we have to deal with that.

"I don't know who he has spoken to at the club but it is not me. It doesn't annoy me and it is part of agent's statements.