Shay Given paid tribute to Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong after their 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough.

The Irish goalkeeper said: "If you're not going to win then don't lose and it's nice as a goalkeeper to keep two clean sheets on the bounce.

"Sebastien Bassong has come on hugely. He was brilliant at Chelsea and against Middlesbrough - he's doing really well. He's very strong in the air, very quick in the tackle and he has good pace as well. He looks like a really good defender and he's a big asset for us."