Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton has played down speculation linking former goalkeeper Shay Given to a sensational return to St James’ Park.

Given has been told by Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini he can leave Eastlands after losing his place between the sticks to new England number one Joe Hart.

Current Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper, who had to wait patiently to succeed Given on Tyneside, suffered an injury after colliding with Everton’s Jermaine Beckford during Newcastle’s recent 1-0 victory on Merseyside.

 

With the extent of Harper’s injury not yet known, reports indicated that Newcastle were seeking special dispensation to make an emergency signing outside the transfer window – with Magpies legend Given in their sights.

But Hughton has dismissed the rumours, insisting that current number two Tim Krul is good enough to hold his place in Harper’s absence.

Hughton said: “He is a young keeper of high ability and I certainly have no worries about him performing.”

There’s no doubt the possibility of Given returning to the North East would be largely welcomed by the Toon Army, after the Republic of Ireland international established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football during his 11-year spell at the club.

He joined City in January 2009 and was hailed as one of Mark Hughes’s best signings during his time at the mega-rich club.

And despite Mancini’s assessment of Given last season, when he described him as ‘the best keeper in the Premier League bar none’, the 34-year-old has been on the bench for every game in this campaign.