United expect Shay Given to recover from the recurrence of a groin strain suffered over the weekend within a couple of weeks which would mean the 31-year-old will be fit for the Republic of Ireland's trip to Bratislava and Prague for vital European Championship qualifiers at the start of next month. They need a bit "luck of the Irish" because, with Germany six points clear and just about home and dry, they stand in third place sandwiched between the Czech Republic and Slovakia - the two teams they play next.
The Czech Republic are a point ahead of Shay's boys, and these two games are massive.
Steve Harper will be between the posts for Newcastle's next three games at least, Bolton, Arsenal and Aston Villa ... but hopes to return to face the Smoggies at MFI Riverside.