Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given says it's no coincidence that their form improvement has come with the return of Damien Duff.

"It has been really hard on Damien because of the injuries, especially the long-term one he had," Given said. "It took him a long time to come back and he never really got a pre-season in. I personally felt the criticism he got was harsh but he would say, by his own standards, he wasn't playing as well as he could do.

"I just feel this season he has had a good pre-season and that's been crucial. He's been on fire this season and he was brilliant when we were away with Ireland as well. I think the Newcastle fans are starting to really appreciate what he can do. I've played with him for Ireland for a number of years and I know what an excellent player he is.

"He is starting to show that in a Newcastle shirt now and the fans have liked what they see. You can see in Damien that he is a happier person in himself this season, his confidence is up and he is back on form."