Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given’s season could come to a pre-mature end if he needs a surgery to cure his groin problem, according to the Evening Chronicle.

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international suffered a recurrence of the problem in the defeat against Manchester United at the weekend and had to be replaced at half time, after earlier picking up the problem in the loss against Aston Villa.

According to reports, Given is expected to see a specialist this week, and is out of next weekend’s clash against former club Blackburn Rovers.

Kevin Keegan’s side are without a victory in ten games, and currently find themselves in danger of getting sucked into the relegation battle in the Premiership.