Given to undergo scan

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is to undergo a scan on his injured knee tomorrow as he bids to extend his run of 94 consecutive Premiership appearances.

The 27-year-old returned to St James’ Park today after suffering knee and neck injuries in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 Euro 2004 qualifying draw with Russia in Dublin on Saturday.

However, both Given and the Magpies’ medical staff are confident there is no lasting damage and he should be able to play at Everton on Saturday.

“Shay will have a scan on his knee tomorrow, but we do not foresee any problem with regard to the match at the weekend,” said a club spokesman.

“He came back with discomfort in his neck and knee, but the scan is purely precautionary.”

Manager Sir Bobby Robson will be keeping his fingers crossed as he awaits news of the tests with Given’s deputy Steve Harper having damaged a hamstring playing for the reserves last week.

That leaves former Hibernian goalkeeper Tony Caig on stand-by, although Given will be determined to continue a run of league appearances which extends back to January 2001.

Harper has played second fiddle ever since, spending 90 minutes on the bench on 50 occasions last season, and the irony that both men are injured at the same time will not be lost on him.

It is understood Given would not have played in his country’s friendly with Turkey tomorrow anyway, but team-mate Craig Bellamy would have lined up for Wales against Finland in Cardiff 24 hours later had been booked in the 4-0 defeat by Italy.

The 24-year-old striker is now banned for visit of the Finns, and although he initially indicated he would be staying in Wales to cheer on his team-mates, it is understood he will now return to the north-east.

The good news for Robson is that Bellamy came through the 90 minutes with no ill-effects and should be fit to play against Everton on Saturday after missing the Newcastle’s last three games.

There was concern on Tyneside today over England defender Jonathan Woodgate amid reports that his ongoing abdominal problem is a hernia which will require a six-week lay-off.

However, although there was no official comment from St James’ Park today, insiders were claiming to be mystified by the story, insisting he could return at Everton.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jermaine Jenas was still in the north-east today a week after withdrawing from the England Under-21 squad following the removal of his wisdom teeth.

David Platt had hoped the youngster, who did not travel to Macedonia for the 1-1 draw on Friday night, may be able to join up with the party ahead of the clash with Portugal tomorrow.

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