A couple of Mick McCarthy's goalkeepers deserve a mention, which, given the state of the Irish boss's options in central defence for next weekend, is just as well.

Shay Given continued his fine start to the season at St James' Park yesterday, keeping another clean sheet as Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0 while, up in Scotland, Hibernian stayed top with the help of another solid showing from Nicky Colgan.

Having waited so long to finally get a look in at Liverpool, Steve Staunton might regret being associated with the late concession of two goals at Liverpool with Southhampton scoring twice after the 81st-minute arrival of the unfortunate Irishman.

On the brighter side, though, this week's player-of-the-week award goes to Paul McGregor of Plymouth Argyle. The club's top scorer last season missed the first couple of games back through suspension, but came on in midweek to score against Bristol Rovers in the Worthington Cup and then marked his first start on Saturday with another against Mansfield.