Given withdraws transfer request

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given today confirmed that

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given today confirmed that

he has withdrawn his transfer request, which was submitted after he failed to win back his place following injury in December.

The Republic of Ireland keeper said: "Having given the events of the past month a great deal of thought I have decided to withdraw my request for a transfer.

"At the time I was upset at not being recalled to the team after I was unavailable due to injury for the Leeds match, and I felt the only way to convey my feelings was to request a transfer.

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"I now realise I over-reacted to the situation and would like to let all Newcastle fans know that I never had any intention of actually leaving the club."

The 24-year-old, who moved to St James' Park from Blackburn for a fee of stg£1.5million in 1997, added: "I fully intend to honour my contract and hope this incident can now be forgotten and I can concentrate on fighting for a regular place in the team, helping the club achieve the success we all strive for."

Given was in goal for the Magpies in Saturday's 3-1 win over Leeds at Elland Road, and is hoping to stay above Steve Harper and John Karelse in the Newcastle pecking order.

PA