Shay: 'Europe Is On Back Burner'

Shay Given has insisted Newcastle can take on the best in Europe and get results.

United's European exploits this season in the UEFA Cup have been put on hold until February. Shay says that is something he is happy to put on the 'back burner' while they sort out their league form.

Given 'We've done really well in Europe, but we've got to concentrate on the league now and get things right there.

'We think we can go all the way in the Uefa Cup, but the draw gets tougher when the teams from the Champions League come in after Christmas.

'We've played some tough teams already in Europe and we've not lost a game so we can be confident when the competition restarts in February.

'We now have a huge game against Reading and it's handy to have the few extra days off because it gives the lads who have knocks the chance to get right.


'It's imperative this club pulls away from the relegation zone. We need to build on that result against Portsmouth. Reading are going well in seventh but we'd be expecting to get three points.


'I think we're six games unbeaten in all competitions and little things like that might help us keep things going and get a bit of momentum going. We're feeling quite positive at the moment.


'The confidence is creeping back into the team now. But we need to get results in the Premiership because this is a massive club and shouldn't be down there.


'We are always trying to improve as a defensive unit, we've had a lot of stick over the years so it's nice to get some praise. They certainly deserve some praise.


'Six clean sheets in 10 games is a great run, although I'm not sure if it's the best I've had as a Newcastle goalkeeper.


'It was particularly pleasing to get a clean sheet in front of 50,000 noisy fans in Frankfurt on Thursday.'

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