Republic of Ireland and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given along with England World Cup hopeful Kieron Dyer have signed new contracts which will keep them with the Premiership club for five and four years respectively.
Given was delighted to extend his stay at St James' Park: "Newcastle United are going in the right direction and it's something I definitely want to be a part of," he said of his club who finished fourth in the Premiership this season.
Dyer was equally happy, not only to sign, but to rid any rumours of his intent to leave the club: "I am absolutely thrilled to have signed a new contract with Newcastle and also quash any rumours about me going to play anywhere else."
"I am very ambitious to win things and the club is too. The club is capable of winning honours and capable of competing at the highest level," explained Dyer who received a lifeline on Wednesday when he was summoned to Dubai to join the England squad by coach Sven Goran Eriksson.
Dyer’s World Cup hopes had been in jeopardy after suffering a knee injury in the last game of the season against Southampton.
Newcastle manager Bobby Robson also stressed the importance of the two signings: "We are delighted two of our big players have signed new contracts with the club."
"These two players, and the others we have at the club, will have a major influence on our future. It's a sign that Newcastle can sign the top players and stave off opposition from wherever that may come from.
"I wish them both every success in the World Cup, they are both world-class players who will be performing at the highest level there is."
PA