SHAY GIVEN has been told not to expect any favours from Sam Allardyce, despite the Newcastle United manager's admission that selecting the Irishman would be the easiest thing to do.

For only the second time in his ten years at St James' Park, Given is not guaranteed his first team place.

Despite an impressive display in Tuesday night's defeat at Arsenal in the Carling Cup, Newcastle's number one is expected to make way for Steve Harper at Manchester City tomorrow.

If that proves to be the case it would be a further blow to Given, who has admitted he will consider his future if he has to endure a lengthy spell on the bench.

But Allardyce is determined not to be bullied into making selections designed to keep his players happy.

"I chose Shay on Tuesday but when you have got two outstanding goalkeepers the hardest part of the job is keeping one happy when he's not playing," said Allardyce.

"That is the hardest part of management, but to have two such outstanding keepers is also very comforting. Will Shay be happy on the bench? He cannot be. Impossible.

"Steve Harper is slightly better at sitting on the bench but it is not about making a decision based on who will create more problems for me. It is all about what you think is the right thing, or the right goalkeeper, for that particular time."

Since Given suffered a groin injury in pre-season, Harper has grasped his chance with both hands.

He has played in every league game since and has clearly grown in confidence, having had Allardyce's faith bestowed in him.

It is a situation which is hardly ideal from Given's perspective, particularly as he reacted negatively on the only other occasion when his place was under such serious threat.

In January 2001, under Sir Bobby Robson, he handed in a transfer request when he lost his place to Harper.

Robson, eventually, was given a get-out when Harper got injured. Given was recalled to the starting line-up and his place has been assured ever since - until now.

Allardyce is expected to hand Harper the gloves at the City of Manchester Stadium again tomorrow, meaning Given's patience will be tested again.

A decision likely to make itself at City is the one which will see Shola Ameobi left out of the squad that travels to Eastlands after suffering a groin injury.

After resting Mark Viduka, who has a slight foot injury, against Arsenal, the Australian should be fit to return.

Michael Owen, meanwhile, met specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck yesterday and is due to have an operation on his adductor tear today.

The surgery is aimed at preventing a hernia problem but he is still expected to be out for at least a month.

That will rule him out of England's European Championship qualifiers with Estonia and Russia.

Newcastle's chief operating officer, Russell Cushing, and accountant Ken Slater have both left the club. The pair have 60 combined years of experience at St James' Park.