Seamus John James “Shay” Given is an Irish football player who currently features for the English Premier League club Newcastle United. He is a goalkeeper and is a Newcastle veteran. Given is also considered as one of the best players in the Premiership.

Shay Given developed at the youth academy of Celtic in 1993 and although he stayed there for one season, he did not play any Scottish Premier League match. He was then transferred to Blackburn Rovers in 1994 and played them for three seasons but could play only 2 Premiership matches. He played for Swindon Town and Sunderland on loan.

In 1997 Shay Given was signed by Newcastle United and Given has since been a first choice regular. He has played around 350 Premier League matches for Newcastle since then and is a huge favourite of the fans. He is the vice-captain of Newcastle.

Shay Given was named in the PFA Team of the Year twice(in 2002 and 2008) and has been voted as the Newcastle Player of the Year as well as the FAI Player of the Year in 2008.

Shay Given made his international debut for Republic of Ireland in 1996 and he has played 87 matches for his nation so far. He played for his nation at the 2002 World Cup.