Given to undergo surgery

Ireland and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given will undergo surgery on him troublesome groin injury in Germany today.

Given has not played for the Magpies since the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on February 23 and will be out for an estimated six weeks after today’s operation.

A statement from the club on nufc.co.uk read: “After consultation with Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, Shay Given will have surgery in Munich today to cure his recurrent groin problems.

“He is expected to make a full recovery and will be absent for a six-week period.”

Hernia specialist Muschaweck has operated on Michael Owen and Alan Shearer in the past.