Shay Given admits he's been taken aback by events this summer at Newcastle United.

The Irish goalkeeper has reaffirmed his opinion that new gaffer Sam Allardyce needs to deepen his squad before the summer transfer window closes.

Given, 31, has been shocked by the speed of events and said: "I've seen a lot since I arrived at the club but even by our standards it has been a big turnaround.

"A lot has changed, not only at boardroom level but on the playing side. Sam has come in and is introducing us to his new methods.

"That aspect of things has been going well but the key word here is patience. It takes time for new methods to fall into place. Patience isn't a word that is used much at Newcastle but everything has to be given time to fall into place.

"Sam is working hard to bring in new players and we need it. Our squad is so small it's frightening."