Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given says he is committed to Newcastle regardless of who the Magpies appoint as their new manager.

Given's future has been the subject of speculation after another disappointing season on Tyneside but the 29-yearold feels his future is at St James's Park.

A number of clubs are also believed to be interested in signing the 'keeper, who is rated as one of the bet in the league.

With  18 months left on his present deal however, he has held talks with the club over a new contract and insists he would be happy to extend his stay in the north-east.

"Hopefully, I can stay here whoever comes in. I am hoping to be here for quite a while," said the former Balckburn 'keeper.  "I'm very disappointed not to have picked up any medals in the last nine years after I signed.

"But this is still a big club, I am relatively young for a keeper with a few good years ahead of me yet.

"We are some way behind Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, there is no hiding from that, but not as far behind as the league suggests.

"And I don't think we're a million miles away from the likes of Tottenham, so we can get back into the top five or six."