Newcastle United may be hoping to sign Scotland captain Barry Ferguson and his Rangers teammate Madjid Bougherra — although Rangers denied receiving any official approach yesterday — but the priority for the Black and Whites must surely be to retain Shay Given. The Ireland goalkeeper kept his club in the FA Cup yesterday, and if he enjoyed his share of fortune in doing so, his example inspired his teammates to one of their more convincing displays in recent weeks.

“It was an impressive performance from Shay, but we’ve got used to that from him. He’s a quality player and a quality individual,” said Newcastle assistant manager Chris Hughton. The United supporters agreed, cheering the goalkeeper’s every touch. If Given leaves, as his lawyer has indicated he wants to, it will not be because he isn’t appreciated. Hughton said United had not received an approach.

Danny Guthrie, booed by Hull fans unable to forgive the appalling tackle with which the United midfielder broke Craig Fagan’s leg in the league match at St James’ Park earlier this season, gave Michael Owen space in the second minute to cross and Andrew Carroll forced City goalkeeper Matt Duke to make a diving save. It set the tone for an opening period dominated by the visitors.

Owen , with only Duke to beat, shot over the goalkeeper, but wide of goal. Shortly afterwards Duke’s strong hand denied Carroll in a similar situation.

Hull’s only threat had come from Geovanni, a 22-yard shot that Given saved. As half-time approached, Fagan crossed low for Daniel Cousin, six yards out, and Given brilliantly pushed the ball against his right post.

At the start of the second half Guthrie’s superbly timed tackle prevented George Boateng from scoring; then Duke appeared to bundle Owen to the ground in the City penalty area.

City were starting to get on top. Given denied Cousin and stopped Geovanni’s 70th-minute free kick. Paul McShane sliced over the rebound, before Michael Turner’s firm header was deflected on to the underside of the bar by Damien Duff, and Given grabbed the rebound. He was standing over the line, but as City manager Phil Brown acknowledged, it was impossible to tell if the ball was over too.

Star man: Shay Given (Newcastle)

Yellow cards: Hull: Stelios, McShane, Fagan, Geovanni. Newcastle: Butt, Gutierrez.

Referee: C Foy

Attendance: 20,557

Hull City: Duke 6, Doyle 5, Turner 6, McShane 6, Ricketts 6, Fagan 6 (Halmosi 73min), Geovanni 7, Marney 5, Boateng 6, Stelios 6, Cousin 6 (King 73min).

Newcastle United: Given 8, Coloccini 6, Bassong 7, Taylor 6, Enrique 6, Duff 6, Guthrie 7, Butt 4, N’Zogbia 5 (Gutierrez 35min, 6), Carroll 6, Owen 6.

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