Given backs struggling Duff to turn it on for Magpies

SHAY GIVEN is backing Damien Duff to silence the doubters at Newcastle.

Goalkeeper Given reckons his Republic of Ireland teammate would admit he hasn’t been at his best since his £5 million (€7.3m) summer move from Chelsea.

Fans and pundits on Tyneside have expressed disappointment with the winger’s form and Duff is now out for at least a month after knee operation this week.

But Given, having only recently returned himself from a two-month lay-off after surgery for a perforated bowel, said: “Nearly every game Damien is man of the match for Ireland. He has had a knee operation now and that will put him back. He would probably admit himself that we haven’t seen the best of him, but we know he has a lot to give because he’s a very talented player.

“It’s difficult coming to a new club sometimes, but Damien knows what the Premier League is all about. It’s not as though he is a foreigner coming in who has never played here before.

“I suppose he is finding his feet. When he first signed for the club, I was very excited and I still am very excited because I know how good a player Damien Duff is.

“We have a few players missing. Damien is not a centre-forward, he’s a left-winger. When players like Michael Owen are out, I suppose the fans and the club in a sense look to other big players to see who is going to get you goals.

“I don’t think Damien should put too much pressure on himself. He just needs to go out, relax and enjoy himself because I think that’s when he plays his best football. He’s probably his own worst critic in that, if it’s not going well for him, he gets on his own case. Sometimes football can get you down and it’s all about trying to keep a level head when things are good and when things are bad.

Newcastle, who host Portsmouth tomorrow, qualified for the UEFA Cup knockout stage after beating Celta Vigo 2-1 in their group game at St. James’ Park on Thursday. The Magpies are also in the last eight of the Carling Cup, where they entertain Chelsea.

Newcastle’s cup form is in stark contrast to the struggle they are facing in the Premiership.

Given said: “I don’t want to make excuses, but we have had a lot of injuries, including myself. I’ve missed eight weeks. I didn’t think our squad was massive anyway, so it has hit us hard.

“This club is a massive club. We should be up in the top four or five positions and where we are at, at the minute is not good enough for a club of this size and stature.

“We have to improve and get up the table, and do something in the cup competitions. We are still in three cups, including the FA Cup, and it would be nice to get a trophy, but other teams will be looking at that, too, so it won’t be easy.’