Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has made a timely return from a groin injury by playing 90 minutes for Newcastle in their Carling Cup win over Barnsley last night.

He hadn't played since limping out of a pre-season friendly against Sampdoria but is determined to prove his fitness ahead of Ireland's upcoming European qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Michael Owen marked his first start of the season with a goal as the Magpies eased past Barnsley 2-0  The England striker struck 12 minutes after the break to end an injury-plagued 20-month wait.

Obafemi Martins secured the victory three minutes from time with a smart volley.

Given had only one save of note to make but it was a vital one as he batted Dominik Werling's powerful free-kick to safety late in the first half.

The Donegal man was not fit for Ireland's impressive 4-0 friendly win in Denmark last week and Wayne Henderson deputised in Aarhus.

But international manager Steve Staunton received encouraging reports on Given's progress and this week named the 31-year-old in his 25-man squad for the crucial qualifiers on September 8th &12th.

"He was on the bench for Newcastle at the weekend so, presumably, if Steve Harper (Given's understudy) had to come off he'd have been okay to take his place," said Staunton.

Team-mate Stephen Carr injured a hamstring in the club's 2-2 draw with derby rivals Middlesbrough at the weekend and was subsequently forced out of the Staunton's plans for the weeks ahead.

The full back has been dogged by injury in recent seasons but may not be sidelined for as long as first feared, according to Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce.

"Stephen's hamstring has improved quite well but he will be out for a few weeks at least," he said.