Given praise for Pearson

Shay Given feels Nigel Pearson has imrpoved Newcastle's defence.

Shay Given feels Nigel Pearson should take the credit for Newcastle's defensive improvement in the last few weeks, but is aware that the players cannot rest on their laurels.

Pearson was brought to Tyneside by Glenn Roeder following his departure from West Brom and he has been working hard on improving Newcastle's defensive shortcomings.

Newcastle have conceded just four goals since Pearson's arrival in late October and Given believes the players have derived benefit from his appointment.

"Nigel is a very strong character and he has done well with the team, particularly defence," Given told Sky Sports News.

"With him being a centre-half himself has helped. He was a strong centre-half and he is trying to drill into the lads the need to improve on our defending.

"There is always a need to improve but we hope we are going in the right direction."