NeilMcD
12/05/2006, 1:56 PM
Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has signed a new five-year contract which will keep him at the club until 2011.
The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international keeper joined Newcastle from Blackburn for £1.5m in 1997.
Newcastle have had defensive problems this season - conceding 55 goals in 38 games, but Given has been one of the team's most consistent performers.
"I'm extremely delighted to get my new contract sorted," Given told the Newcastle club website.
Getting the deal done with Shay is a great way to start the summer
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd
The new deal will keep the goalkeeper, who was named in the Premiership's team of the season, with Newcastle until he is 35.
Given was made stand-in captain by caretaker boss Glenn Roeder in the absence of Alan Shearer towards the end of this season. "I've already had nine great years here and I'm now looking forward to five more," added Given.
"Hopefully we can win something in that time because I'm still very hungry to win things as a Newcastle player."
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "Getting the deal done with Shay is a great way to start the summer.
"He's Mr Reliable - he's only missed two Premiership matches in the last five seasons and we wouldn't swap him for anyone.
"Shay is still only 30, so as a goalkeeper he has plenty of years left at the very top."
In February, Given was been named as the Republic of Ireland's Player of the Year for his international displays.
The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international keeper joined Newcastle from Blackburn for £1.5m in 1997.
Newcastle have had defensive problems this season - conceding 55 goals in 38 games, but Given has been one of the team's most consistent performers.
"I'm extremely delighted to get my new contract sorted," Given told the Newcastle club website.
Getting the deal done with Shay is a great way to start the summer
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd
The new deal will keep the goalkeeper, who was named in the Premiership's team of the season, with Newcastle until he is 35.
Given was made stand-in captain by caretaker boss Glenn Roeder in the absence of Alan Shearer towards the end of this season. "I've already had nine great years here and I'm now looking forward to five more," added Given.
"Hopefully we can win something in that time because I'm still very hungry to win things as a Newcastle player."
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "Getting the deal done with Shay is a great way to start the summer.
"He's Mr Reliable - he's only missed two Premiership matches in the last five seasons and we wouldn't swap him for anyone.
"Shay is still only 30, so as a goalkeeper he has plenty of years left at the very top."
In February, Given was been named as the Republic of Ireland's Player of the Year for his international displays.