Angry Givens lays it on the line for Newcastle’s away flops

NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Shay Given has admitted his side’s growing reputation as a soft touch on their travels could cost them dear as the season draws to a tense conclusion.

The Magpies surrendered their advantage in the race for fourth place in the Premiership with a dismal 1-0 defeat at struggling Manchester City on Saturday, and their misery was compounded 24 hours later when both Aston Villa and Liverpool their main challengers for the final Champions League spot - won to leave them sitting sixth in the table.

United still have to go to Southampton and Liverpool as well as Marseille on Thursday night in the second leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final, and although their form on the road in Europe is good they have won four of their six games and drawn the other two they have claimed a paltry two Premiership wins to date.