Given set to miss next six weeks

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given faces a spell out of action

Newcastle keeper Shay Given is expected to be out for six weeks after having groin surgery in Germany on Tuesday.

Given has not played since Newcastle's 5-1 home defeat against Manchester United on 23 February.

He was operated on by Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, who has also treated Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

A Newcastle statement read: "Shay Given is expected to make a full recovery after surgery and will be absent for a six-week period."

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland keeper was sidelined by a similar problem at the start of the season.

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He has been troubled by the problem throughout the season and has been restricted to just 24 appearances - Steve Harper has deputised as Newcastle have been dragged into the relegation fight under new manager Kevin Keegan.