Newcastle United are facing a potential goalkeeping crisis ahead of Saturday's Barclaycard Premiership trip to Everton after Shay Given suffered neck and knee injuries on international duty. The 27-year-old Lifford man needed lengthy treatment after falling awkwardly during Ireland's 1-1 draw with Russia on Saturday.
Given was able to complete the 90 minutes and will hope to shake off the knocks to extend a run of 94 consecutive Premiership appearances which stems back to January 2001. He has been ruled out of Ireland's friendly with Turkey at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday night and United manager Bobby Robson will be keeping his fingers crossed with deputy Steve Harper out for several weeks after suffering a hamstring strain on reserve team duty last week.
Harper admitted the day after picking up his injury that it would be ironic if, after having to wait so long for his chance, Given happened to be sidelined at the same time. The next man in line is former Hibernian keeper Tony Caig, who is yet to make his senior debut for the club.
The 29-year-old, who arrived at St James' Park during the January transfer window, could now be pulled out of the reserve team squad for tonight's game at West Brom as a precaution. Newcastle head for Goodison Park still looking for their first league win of the season having collected just a single point from their three league games to date.
Filed by Shane Murray
