JERMAINE JENAS has begged Sir Bobby Robson to give him the chance to arrest Newcastle United's slide against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Jenas, who made his England debut in February during a sensational first full season on Tyneside, has started just one game this campaign.

But having cost Newcastle two points when he conceded a late penalty at Everton last weekend, the England midfielder wants to help his club begin a revival at St James' Park in three days' time.

He said: "Hopefully, I'll figure at some stage on Saturday. I haven't played as much as I'd have liked this season, but all I can do is keep working hard and wait for my chance to come along.

"I played for the reserves on Monday because the gaffer and I decided I needed to boost my fitness.

"It hasn't been the best of starts for the team, but we're still only four games into the season and there's a long way to go yet.

"We have enough quality to turn the bad start around, just as we did last year.

"A lot has been made about the run of games without a win, but the players are just completely focused on doing well again, which we will sooner rather than later."

Meanwhile, Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given last night revealed he feared his career over when he thought he had broken his neck.

Given was hurt during the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia last week and he admitted the worst possible scenario did cross his mind.

"I thought I'd broken my neck and it was a bit scary to be honest because my career could have been over if that had been the case," he said.

"The bottom line was that had my neck been broken, I may not have played again.

"I could have been just one challenge away from that, and when I came down I really did think something was gone because there was a proper crunch.

"It just shows how quickly it could all end and it puts everything else into perspective. But fortunately, I was OK."

Given should be fit to start against Bolton, despite failing to shake off a nagging knee injury, but Jonathan Woodgate could be out for a month with his stomach problem.

Woodgate returned to light training on Monday with a view to returning to the side this Saturday, but if he breaks down again he will need surgery.

l Jermaine Pennant has vowed Leeds will not crumble following their shock mauling at Leicester, writes IAN PARKES.

The 4-0 scoreline at the Walkers Stadium was a true reflection of a match after which Peter Reid stated Leeds were ''second best all over the pitch''.

Pennant, on a two-month loan from Arsenal, said: ''I don't think it was a case of too many new players not having time to gel.

''The only really new player in the starting line-up was Roque Junior. That's just one player and I don't think it made a difference."