Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given is set to sit down for talks with Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd today about a new contract.

Given, who has been linked with a move back to Celtic, has said that he wants to stay in the north-east and will try to thrash out a deal which will keep him at Newcastle.

Manager Bobby Robson is keen to keep the in-form Irish international. Given kept his second clean sheet of the season in Wednesday night's 2-0 victory at Coventry and showed just why he is Bobby Robson's number one with a fine string of saves, notably to deny a stunning Chippo volley in the first half.

The club are keen to conclude negotiations over the weekend with Given signing a lucrative long-term deal.

Given said: "I'm happy to talk to the chairman and we'll take things from there. I'm in the team and we are top of the league which is the most important thing right now.

"I have said all along that I want to stay with Newcastle United and, despite what other people may have said, this has not changed."