Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given admits manager Sam Allardyce needs to add to his squad.

"The squad's the lightest that it's been for as long as I can remember," Given said. "It's extremely important that we get some players in but the manager knows that. He's not silly.

"Offensively we're very strong and as strong as most clubs but we don't have too many defenders floating about these days. I know we've got some young defenders coming through but it's a lot to expect of them to be playing every week in the Premiership. They're learning their trade and it's important we get some experienced defenders in to help them develop and improve.

"We're very thin on the ground. We need to improve on last season because our finish last time was a big disappointment to everyone. For a club of this stature and the players we have here, it just wasn't good enough."