Veteran Czech goalkeeper Pavel Srníček has made a surprise return to Newcastle United FC as cover for the injured Shay Given.

'Great shape'
Srníček, who enjoyed a seven-year spell at Newcastle in the 1990s, has been called in on a short-term deal until January with Republic of Ireland custodian Given sidelined with a ruptured bowel. "Watching him in training this week I have to say he is in great shape," said Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder. "He's 38 but he really is super-fit and there is no way anyone can say he is past it."