The ring rusty shot-stopper is on-loan from Aston Villa and arrived on Thursday having not played first team football since a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Millwall in January.
Given, 37, has been drafted in for a month to cover for banned Jason Steele, and Boro beat Bolton 1-0 on Saturday.
Shay Given: “It’s been a long time so it was great to be back in action.
“It was all a bit rushed and I barely know the names of my team-mates but I’m delighted to be here and playing again.
“It’s a good start, a win and a clean sheet.
"I didn’t have a save to make really but I had to be sharp off my line to use my feet or head a few times so that was a bit of a test.
“And I had to face a penalty too but as soon as he hit it I felt it was going high. It was great to be involved again.
"I’m looking forward to the next few games.
"I'm the sixth player to play for all the North-east’s Big Three.
“I’m very proud of that.
“They are three great clubs.”