NEWCASTLE midfielder Gary Speed believes Shay Given can become as big a goalkeeping legend for the Republic of Ireland as Neville Southall was with Wales, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

Given, showered in superlatives after producing an inspired string of saves to help the Irish qualify for next year's World Cup finals, was the toast of Tyneside on Saturday night.

The Newcastle keeper excelled himself again with a breathtaking penalty save from Derby's Fabrizio Ravanelli to secure United's 1-0 victory.

Early this year, Given withdrew a transfer request after winning back the No 1 spot from Steve Harper, and since then he has never looked back.

Middlesbrough's Jonathan Greening could hardly have made it easier when Given saved his timid spot-kick at the Riverside in September.

But his stop from former Boro striker Ravanelli is sure to be one of the saves of the season.

Wales skipper Speed said: "He's made two penalty saves out of two this season and he is the best keeper I've played with at club level.

"Neville Southall was a freak of nature - he was that good.

"But Shay has got it all and with his attitude and talent, I believe he can be as good as Nev and be a world great.

"I hope he has a big World Cup for Ireland, but I hope he has a big season with us before that.''

Given puts his recent success down to a more relaxed approach.

He admitted: "I've tried to enjoy my football more in the last two seasons.

"Before then I got caught up in it too much and worried about things.

"Now I just try to relax and enjoy it and not let the pressure get to me. "But I can't slacken off because it's important I stay in the team at Newcastle to set myself up for the World Cup.

"It's a massive thing for me. It'll be the first time I've played in the World Cup, and it was a relief to get there after such a long campaign.

"I believe we can be a top-six team here - another mid-table finish would be a bad season for us.''

Meanwhile, Laurent Robert (hip) and Robert Lee (ankle) face fitness tests before tomorrow night's Worthington Cup visit of Ipswich Town.

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