Page "Shay Given" Paragraph 4

The season after Given's arrival saw Blackburn win the Premier League title and Given was unable to oust first-choice goalkeeper and England international Tim Flowers from the team.

He made two loan moves to Swindon Town.

Given acted as understudy during his first spell at the Wiltshire club but helped them start their Championship winning Division Two campaign during the 1995 – 96 season.

He played in five games for the Swindon before returning to Blackburn at the end of 1995.

Given was sent on loan again in January 1996, this time to Division One side Sunderland.

Given kept 12 clean sheets during his 17 games for the club, and formed part of the team who won promotion to the Premier League as champions.

His performances on loan impressed Kenny Dalglish, who had recently been appointed manager of Newcastle United, and prompted him to sign Given again.

Given signed for the North-East club in the summer of 1997 for a fee of £ 1. 5 million.