Arsenal are keeping tabs on Shay Given's situation at Newcastle United.

Toon boss Sam Allardyce is sticking with Steve Harper as his No1 and admitted: "Will Shay be happy on the bench? He cannot be.

"It's impossible. But it is not about making a decision based on who will create more problems for me. It is about what you think is the right thing, or the right goalkeeper, for that particular time."

Allardyce was linked with Bolton No1 Jussi Jaaskelainen today, which could lead to Given leaving St James' Park in January. The Irishman has been a long-term target for the Gunners.