SHAY GIVEN has warned that Newcastle must splash out in the transfer market this summer if they are to avoid being left behind by the Premiership's top three.

Goalkeeper Given admits it would be a "nightmare'' if the Magpies failed to at least claim fifth place in the Premiership and guarantee a UEFA Cup spot for next season after losing touch with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

But the principal target for Sir Bobby Robson's side is still fourth spot and a return to the Champions League.

Given today makes his 120th consecutive Premiership appearance as Newcastle face fourth-placed Charlton in a crucial encounter at St. James' Park.

"The pressure is on and we have to get results,'' admitted Given. "It's not about how we play, it's about gaining points. It would be a huge bonus to get that fourth spot.

"We have to aim for a Champions League place, but it would be a nightmare if we didn't get into Europe at all.

"We messed up in qualifying for the Champions League this season after working so hard to get there and we're still paying for that.

"We've had an up-and-down season. We need to be more consistent and start putting together some winning runs.

"We have a good squad, but the top three - Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United - have spent and if you don't you get left behind.

"Maybe that's why those three are so far ahead of us, because we didn't spend last summer.

"You can't blame the board for not backing the manager, but I do think we need to bring in one or two players in the summer. If we want to run closer to the title, that has to be our aim.''

Skipper Alan Shearer has only one season left before his retirement, and Given added: "We're all desperate to get back into the Champions League - it's not just for Alan.

"It would be lovely for him in his last season to go out at the top in the Champions League, but it doesn't always work out like that in football.

"It will be a relief in a sense if we finish fourth. We're still in the UEFA Cup and if we win that and finish fourth, I would see that as a successful season.

"We've drawn a lot of games and if we'd turned a few draws into victories, maybe we would be further ahead of the likes of Charlton. They haven't spent money, but they have done very well.''

Given saw off the challenge of Dean Kiely for the Republic of Ireland's No 1 shirt, the Charlton keeper quitting the international game.

"That was a bit of a surprise and Ireland's loss, because you can't have enough good players,'' said Given.

"I don't know whether this is my best season, but hopefully I'm improving each year. The more you see of the game, the more you learn. I'm 28 next month, but people say keepers are in their prime when they're 30 or 31 - I certainly hope so.''

l Newcastle coach John Carver has thrown himself at the mercy of the FA, after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

Carver was charged after confronting referee Rob Styles at the end of the game at Birmingham on January 31.

The FA yesterday confirmed that Carver had not asked for a personal hearing. A spokesman said: "He has admitted the charge and the matter will now be dealt with by a disciplinary commission based on the appropriate paperwork.''

Carver could face a touchline ban.

ENDS