Given withdraws transfer request (original) (raw)
Updated / Thursday, 14 Jun 2007 18:13
Republic of Ireland and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has confirmed that he has withdrawn the transfer request he submitted last month. The 24-year-old made his request after failing to regain his place in the first team following injury in December. Given admitted to PA Sport today that he has had time to consider the events of the past month a great deal and that he realises his reaction was somewhat over the top.
"At the time I was upset at not being recalled to the team after I was unavailable due to injury for the Leeds match, and I felt the only way to convey my feelings was to request a transfer. I now realise I over-reacted to the situation and would like to let all Newcastle fans know that I never had any intention of actually leaving the club," admitted the Donegal man.
Given, signed by Newcastle from Blackburn in 1997, was in goals for the Magpies in their 3-1 victory over Leeds on Saturday and is now hopeful that he will keep his place in the first-team line-up.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly