Given in hospital after Harewood clash

SHAY GIVEN spent last night in a London hospital with suspected rib damage.

The Ireland ‘keeper was held under observation as the rest of his team mates flew back to Newcastle after their 2-0 win over West Ham in Upton Park.

Given left the field with four minutes to go after a collision with Hammers striker Marlon Harewood.

Contrary to early speculation, Given did not collapse in the dressing room, but an ambulance was swiftly called and he was taken to a local hospital.

“Shay was very badly winded but he didn’t collapse in the dressing room,” Toon boss Glenn Roeder confirmed.

“He will spend the night in hospital under observation.”

A Newcastle radio station reported that Given had suffered a punctured lung but this could not be confirmed last night.

Should the injury be serious, it could be bad news for Given and Ireland boss Stephen Staunton, with three weeks to go to the European Championship doubleheader against Cyprus and Czech Republic.

Number two Paddy Kenny had a groin injury and did not play on Saturday for Sheffield United in their loss to Reading.

Staunton also has a fitness crisis up front. Sunderland trio Stephen Elliott, David Connolly and Daryl Murphy, all potential squad members, are injured.