Shay’s shock USA dash

Mar 16 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

SHAY GIVEN has made a dramatic hush-hush trip to America for an injury consultation with a top specialist.

The Sunday Sun can reveal the Newcastle goalkeeper flew to Phoenix, Arizona in a bid to sort out the chronic groin trouble which has cast a shadow over his career.

Given, unbeknown to his team-mates, jetted off on Thursday to get a fresh diagnosis on the problems which have dogged him for 18 months.

A trip to a specialist in Belgium last weekend had reportedly allayed fears that the 31-year-old required surgery which would have ended his season.

But Given’s subsequent trip to the States has placed a further question mark against his involvement in Newcastle’s battle against relegation.

Having aggravated his groin in a 5-1 defeat against Manchester United last month, Given is enduring his sixth lay-off since perforating his small bowel in a collision with then West Ham striker Marlon Harewood in September 2006.

That injury – so serious it is usually seen in car crash victims – is thought to be to blame for Given’s subsequent problems.

The Irishman’s kicking has become particularly hampered, although his overall form has been less impressive than in previous seasons.

Steve Harper will continue to deputise for Given at Birmingham tomorrow night, although there is now precious little to choose between the two men when both are fit.