SHAY GIVEN has called for Newcastle United to shed the "Entertainers'' tag on their travels in a bid to avoid any more away-day horror shows.

The Magpies have conceded 50 goals in 33 games in all competitions this season following their disastrous 3-2 FA Cup third-round exit at Wolves on Sunday.

Republic of Ireland international Given, the PFA's goalkeeper of the year last season, has conceded all but four of those goals, and confesses that United's defensive record is "shocking''.

Sir Bobby Robson's side have let in 34 goals away from home and Given insists a change of strategy is needed if they are to maintain their challenge for a return to the Champions League next season.

"Fifty goals, it's shocking - it's not good enough,'' admitted Given. "We need to improve. If you look at our goals-against record at home, it's one of the best in the League.

"So we have to look at the way we approach games when we go away from home home.

"I think we have to be a less entertaining team away from home. We have to make it more difficult for teams on our travels.

"We have to do to teams what they do to us here; teams come here and try to hit us on the break.

"In Craig Bellamy, we have someone who can do that for us because his pace is electric.

"We're vulnerable at the back and I think we have to be a bit more defensive-minded away from home.

"We haven't played so well away this season, so we have to improve on that if we're going to get into a Champions League place again.''

Given, however, maintains that United's midfield must share the blame for their suspect defending on the road.

"I think it's sometimes unfair that the defence are singled out,'' said Given. "When people say the defence have been a shambles again, it can be a bit harsh.

"It's a team game and we're a little vulnerable at times because the four midfielders are a bit too attack-minded and that leaves us exposed at the back.

"We went to Bolton and let in four goals; we're probably the only team who will do that all season. We scored three, and they say that if you do that away from home, you shouldn't lose.''

Given has been forced to carry the can himself, notably when he lost his place after the 5-2 defeat at Blackburn in October.

"Last season was brilliant for me, but when you've conceded nearly 50 goals yourself, you watch videos and look at what you could have done better,'' said Given.

"But I still think I've done OK this season and my confidence is fine.

"The Wolves game was a big disappointment for all of us, but we can't afford to linger on it too long.

"We all wanted silverware this season, but if we can get back into the Champions League, that will soften the blow.''

Given reckons fourth-placed Newcastle would benefit from "a couple'' of squad additions before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

He said: "We're behind Arsenal and Manchester United in the sense that I don't think our squad is as strong, so a couple of new faces would be good.'

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