Shay Given has rocked Bobby Robson by slapping in a written transfer request at Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland keeper reacted impulsively after losing his place to Steve Harper, who made one of the saves of the FA Cup third round to deny Aston Villa's Dion Dublin in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Harper kept his place despite the 4-2 defeat at Spurs last week and that proved the final straw for Given.

Liverpool and Arsenal will lead the chase for the £5m-rated goalkeeper, who signed a new four-year contract this season.

Both clubs have had keeper problems and Arsenal are looking for a long-term replacement for David Seaman.

But Robson is certain to fight to keep the 24-year-old Irishman after stating that he has the best pair of goalkeepers in the Premiership.

Given last night revealed: ''The board have told me that they will give me a decision later in the week and in the meantime I will train with enthusiasm.

''I thought that my consistency in the 20 or so early-season games would have meant an early recall. When this did not happen and no explanation was given to me, I felt that I had no other way of making the strength of my feelings known.

''It is nothing personal against Steve Harper, we are great friends. I appreciate that there are many players who would not have reacted in this way but I am a passionate and committed player."

Robson and his chairman Freddy Shepherd have both been shocked by Given's untimely request and it has gone down badly in the dressing room at a time when others are battling to keep the club's season alive.

Given is generally acknowledged as Newcastle's No 1 but he has not been able to get back into the side since a dead leg kept him out of the Boxing Day clash with Leeds.

It's another headache Robson didn't want following the disappearance of Didier Domi and the loss of Alan Shearer, Carl Cort and other key players through injury.

On top of that Alain Goma and Marcelino both want to leave and a double suspension has hit Nolberto Solano and Kieron Dyer.

The strain told on Gary Speed when the Welsh skipper was forced to come off after 28 minutes against Villa.

Robson said: "Gary had no life and no energy. He has given some awesome performances but like some other players he is exhausted.

"They've given everything to get us through a difficult time and I've told them to take two days off to recharge batteries."

* Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes, enjoying the best form of a blossoming career, puts his recent success down to the extra confidence instilled in him by the man-management skills of Robson.

Hughes believes his efforts at full back last season, though not his preferred position, saved Robson at least £5m in the transfer market.

"Bobby was thinking about bringing someone in before the Sheffield Wednesday game last season and he asked me whether I thought he needed a new defender,'' he revealed.

"I've never lacked confidence but that gave me the spur to prove that I could do the job, and since then I've never looked back."

Newcastle beat Wednesday 8-0 with Hughes getting the opener. But the 21-year-old admitted he's far more comfortable playing in the centre-back role he's made his own with a string of performances this season that have belied his relative inexperience in the top flight.

"I played last season at full back, but I'm glad to be back at centre-half," he said.

Hughes could be joined at the back on Saturday at home to Coventry by new boy Wayne Quinn, with the former England U-21 international likely to line up for the reserves at Whitley Bay tonight

However, the on-loan £2m full back won't be able to play in the FA Cup until after next week's third round replay at Villa.

Newcastle are still talking with Wimbledon over Marcus Gayle although the clubs can't agree a fee