MANCHESTER CITY ARE prepared to let Shay Given leave Eastlands if the Irish international ‘keeper wants to go in January, but Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has ruled out a return for Given to St.James’ Park.

Roberto Mancini said that Given can leave if he wants after Saturday’s win at Wigan Athletic. “I told him that he can stay but I respect his decision and if he wants to leave he can. He decided to stay here and until January he must stay here. I have a lot of respect for Shay and I told him the situation,” stated Mancini. “I understand his frustration but I need that Shay stays here and puts in 100%.”

Newcastle United had been reported to have been interested in a loan move for the ‘keeper after their first-choice Steve Harper picked up an injury.  But manager Chris Hughton denied the speculation yesterday though: “I can understand that and it is a very emotional one but no, I can say that won’t be happening.”

Hughton says Dutch youngster Tim Krul will fill in for Harper during his injury. “Tim Krul has come in before and adapted very, very well. He is a young keeper of high ability and I certainly have no worries about him performing. But we will have to assess it once we are made aware of the extent of Steve’s injury. Tim is in the squad for the Chelsea game and I have absolutely no worries in putting him in.”