Given: Newcastle wrong selling Woodgate to Real Madrid

Newcastle United gaffed in selling Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid, says goalkeeper Shay Given.

"I still think it was a big mistake to let Woodgate leave. We desperately needed a top-class replacement for him, but we didn't really have enough time to find one and so we've been left short in that department," said Given.

"We've brought in Ronnie Johnsen and his experience will be valuable in the short term, but I think everybody knows that we have been left badly weakened by Woody's departure."

"When the new manager came in he immediately said that was an area he was looking to strengthen and it has to be our number one priority in January. If we don't invest in that area I think it is inevitable that our chances of success will be lessened."

"Robbie Elliott has come in and done superbly well, but if we get any injuries, even with Ronnie here, we're going to be stretched."