Toon Wait On Shay Given Scan
By Nu Mad
Updated Monday, 6th August 2007
Shay Given was substituted in the 38th minute of the match against Samporia on Sunday, and he could be added to the growing list of injured players (which now totals TEN) in the week leading up to the new season.
Sam Allardyce said his goalkeeper would have a scan on a groin injury that curtailed in role in yesterday's game.
Although he was substituted, he seemed in no serious pain as he ran down the tunnel, and hopefully the scan will prove nothing more than a minor problem.
Obviously we have Steve Harper in reserve should things be worse, but third choice 'keeper, Tim Krul, cannot be recalled from
Falkirk where he is on a six-month loan period.
Krul made an impressive start to his Scottish Premier League career at the weekend, but the 19-year-old Dutchman's main aim is still to become first-choice goalkeeper at Newcastle United.
He put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 4-0 away win over Gretna.
Krul: "Like any player I need to get experience.
Shay Given is the number one so I need to play games. I'm happy to get the chance in the SPL at Falkirk.
"Sam Allardyce said this is my last step towards getting into the team. He said I can save balls, now I need to do it regularly. It's not all about one game. I'm glad he let me go on loan.
"Last season was very frustrating for me. I was really happy with my debut but five days after I did my meniscus and I was out for four or five months. I'm really happy to play again. One day you're up there and five days later I needed an operation.
"Long-term I want to be at Newcastle, of course. I've signed a new four-year deal. I'm happy at Newcastle but Shay Given is the number one and I've got to work hard to get close to him."
