Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given could require another operation on his troublesome groin injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

The Newcastle custodian failed to re-appear after the break in Saturday's 5-1 defeat by Manchester United as he had aggravated the problem he had suffered at Aston Villa a fortnight earlier.

Given has already been ruled out of this weekend's crucial visit of former club Blackburn to St James' Park, and there are fears that another operation is required after a string of similar problems.

The 31-year-old is expected to see a specialist this week and the city's evening newspaper, the Evening Chronicle, is reporting that, should he need surgery, his season could be over.

Given has been blighted by groin problems ever since the horrific collision with then West Ham striker Marlon Harewood which left him with a perforated bowel in September 2006.