A confident keeper who joined Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 1997 for £1.5million and immediately underlined his skills by keeping a string of clean sheets.
Began his career north of the border with Celtic but, unable to break into the first team, moved to Ewood Park on a free transfer in 1994.
With Tim Flowers firmly entrenched as the number on, Given had to go out on loan to make his Football League bow with Swindon Town. He also had a loan spell with Newcastle's arch rivals Sunderland.
A good shot-stopper and confident at claiming crosses, he played in the Toon Army's disappointing 1997/98 FA Cup Final defeat. Made his debut for the club in a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at St James' Park.
Lost his place in the side to Steve Harper towards the end of the 1998/99 season, costing him a place in the FA Cup final side, but he eventually regained the number one jersey in February 2000.
Lost his place to Harper over Christmas 2000 due to injury, and when he failed to return to the side straight away he handed in a transfer request. Changed his mind soon afterwards, however.
Will want to forget the start to the 2001/02 season, however, when he twice let a shot through his fingers to gift goals to the opposition. Came back very strongly to be named in the PFA's Premiership Team of the Season. By that time he had played 176 games for the Magpies.
Travelled to the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and Korea with the Republic of Ireland and continued his fine form as Mick McCarthy's side reached the second round before going out on penalties to Spain.
Signed a new five-year contract with the club on his return to England.
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