SHAY GIVEN wants urgent talks with manager Sam Allardyce after losing his place to Steve Harper in the Newcastle United side.

Given missed the start of the season with a groin problem but returned to action in the 2-0 win over Barnsley in the Carling Cup a week ago.

However, Harper was back in goal for the visit of Wigan Athletic on Saturday and it has left the Irishman unclear as to where he stands in Allardyce's thinking.

"I haven't really spoken to the manager yet," he said. "I've gone away with Ireland so I haven't had time to sit down with him, so I'll have to do that when I get back after these games.

"I'm not sure what his thinking is or whatever, but obviously I've been out for a while with my groin and I played on Wednesday night, so maybe he felt that it was better for me not to play on Saturday and put too much pressure on it.

"We'll see what happens. It's good to have competition in every position in the club, so if that's the case then I'll have to see what happens.

"I don't really know what his thoughts are because I haven't spoken to him and he hasn't spoken to me. It's hard to say what his thinking is for the future, but I'm really just focusing on these games now."

Given has been an automatic choice since his arrival from Blackburn ten years ago, but he infamously slapped in a transfer request after losing his place to Harper under Sir Bobby Robson in January 2001.

The Donegal man, 31, is currently in Ireland preparing for the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia on Saturday.

Charles N'Zogbia, meanwhile, has outlined how manager Sam Allardyce's managerial methods have convinced him to sign a new long-term contract at Newcastle United.

And the Frenchman feels that his new five-year deal is the latest indication that he is enjoying a new lease of life on Tyneside under the former Bolton manager.

The new terms, that tie him to St James' Park until 2012, complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the 21-year-old who looked destined to leave after much-publicised mistakes towards the end of last season.

After infuriating former boss Glenn Roeder for using his mobile phone on the bench during a defeat to Portsmouth, he then walked out of the dressing room at Watford in May after being caught texting during a team meeting.

But, after a summer in which he had looked as if he would be sold had any serious bids arrived, Allardyce was forced to turn to the former Le Havre man to fill a hole at left-back.

"I am happy to sign my contract and I see my future with Newcastle United because it is a great club," said N'Zogbia. "I admit towards the end of last season I was not happy and I thought I might be leaving the club, but everything is different now.

"I have always loved the city, the fans and the club and wanted to stay here. I'm delighted that I'm playing and I'm really enjoying my football."