Newcastle keeper Shay Given could need surgery to repair his latest groin injury.

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international failed to re-appear after the break in Saturday's 5-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United as he had aggravated the problem he had suffered at Aston Villa a fortnight earlier.

Given has already been ruled out of this weekend's crucial visit of former club Blackburn to St James' Park, and there are fears that another operation is required after a string of similar problems.

The Rovers old boy is expected to see a specialist this week and the Evening Chronicle is reporting that, should he need surgery, his season could be over.

Given has been blighted by groin problems ever since the horrific collision with then West Ham striker Marlon Harewood which left him with a perforated bowel in September 2006.