The Irish Mail on Sunday is claiming that Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has flown to Arizona for top secret consultation on the injury that has plagued him this season and last.

Given has suffered repeated groin problems since a collision with striker Marlon Harewood in The Magpies' win at West Ham last season and has had constant spells out of action for club and country.

It is claimed that Newcastle's doctors have allowed him to travel to the United States to ascertain whether there are serious question marks about his future.