Given sets sights on Europe
by Alex Livie, 30 August 2008
Shay Given has told Setanta Sports News he wants Newcastle to push on and claim a place in Europe.
The Magpies have endured a couple of seasons of misery, but have made a bright start to the current campaign and hopes are high that they can challenge towards the top half of The Premier League.
The sale of James Milner on Friday proved that Newcastle are never far from controversy, but Given feels European qualification is a target worth setting.
“We have had a good start and had a good win in the cup, so it is good,” the Irishman told Setanta Sports News.
“I always find it difficult when people ask me where I think we will finish. It is always a difficult question.
”We would like to improve on last season and see where that takes us. Ideally we want to get back into Europe and we will try and do that and push hard.
“A lot will depend if we can get a couple more players in before the window closes on Monday night.”
Newcastle face a test of their mettle on Saturday evening, as they travel to face Arsenal in front of the Setanta Sports cameras.
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The Magpies were beaten on three occasions at The Emirates last season, but Given feels they are much improved this time around.
“Arsenal are fantastic, have some great players and a great manager,” he said “We had a tough time there last year and would like to improve on that, but we are tougher this year and I think we can do better.”