Really bad news for Toon fans after the excitement of Sunday's victory at Upton Park ... goalkeeper Shay Given has had stomach surgery following the injury he picked up with a clash with Marlon Harewood.
The 30-year-old was taken off with four minutes remaining and replaced by Steve Harper, and was rushed to a London hospital suffering abdominal pains. It was thought he would only stay in the capital overnight for treatment, but that was not the case.
Glenn Roeder: "Shay has had surgery to repair a small tear in his lower stomach. He is comfortable and will have a short stay in hospital.
"We'll let things settle down now and it's too early to be putting any date on when he'll be expected back.
"I would like to think Harewood was being completely honest in trying to get the ball. It's a man's game and I'm sure Shay would understand."
Given is expected to be out for at least six weeks.