Long serving Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given could be out of action for six weeks, and this could mean he is ruled out for the rest of the season after he had surgery on his groin in Germany on Tuesday.

Given’s last game for Newcastle came in the 5-1 hammering by Manchester United at St James’ Park on 23^rd February.

The surgeon who treated Given was Dr Ulrike Muschaweck who in the past has operated on players such as Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

A spokesman for Newcastle said that after having the surgery on his groin, Given will be out for six weeks but will make a full recovery after the six weeks.

It is not the first time Given has had this injury. He was out of action at the beginning of the season with the same problem. He has only made 24 appearances this season for the club.

This means that Steve Harper, another long serving goalkeeper of the club will keep his place in the side for at least the next six weeks, and probably until the end of the season.