Given keen to see new arrivals at Newcastle

Jul 23 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SHAY Given admits his concerns about Newcastle United’s small squad are growing as the Premier League kick-off draws nearer – but he remains hopeful of further recruitment in the next six weeks.

United’s long-serving goalkeeper has added his influential voice to calls from manager Kevin Keegan and Steve Harper for further signings before the start of the Premier League season, expressing the need for “a good few more” players to be added to their threadbare squad.

So far Newcastle have managed to broker deals for Argentina winger Jonas Gutierrez and Danny Guthrie, but with United suffering some prominent knock-backs the recruitment drive has struggled to gather any momentum. Former Arsenal winger Juan Antonio Reyes was mentioned as a possible target yesterday, but it is in defence where Newcastle desperately need to strengthen – with a centre-back and a left-back a priority for Keegan. For his part, Given is predicting that more business will be conducted in the run-up to the season, and he hopes that United will be at the forefront of any

moves in the market.“I don’t know how difficult it will be to get new players in because I don’t do the deals but so far there doesn’t seem to have been a lot of movement between clubs. I’m sure it will kick-off soon,” he said.

“We have got a couple of new lads in but I think we need a good few more. So it is a concern the longer it goes on. But there’s still to the end of August before the window closes.

“It leaves us short but I know the manager is working hard to get players in so I suppose we should comment really at the end of August.

“Then you can look further afield and see where you think the season is going to go.”

United’s encouraging form in the spring prompted talk of a push for Europe next season, but Given is reserving judgement until the transfer window closes in August. Barring a determination to improve on the mid-table finish last season, Given is refusing to set any targets until he sees the calibre of the players that Newcastle manager to bring in. “Our objectives will be to improve on last season,” he said.

“Newcastle United is a big club but we have to go out and show it every week and perform better and get up the league.

“It’s hard to say where we’re going to finish at the moment.

“We need more players before I can say that but if we get the right quality of players in we will be in a stronger position.”

While United clearly need to strengthen before the season starts, they are as well staffed as most of their rivals in certain departments.

Given’s position of goalkeeper is one such area – with the Republic of Ireland stopper’s return from injury setting up an interesting battle between him and Steve Harper for the number one jersey.

With young Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul, who yesterday insisted his long-term future is at St James’s Park, also waiting in the wings it is one position where they do not need to recruit.