SHAY Given is facing a fitness battle as United prepare for crucial cup games against Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United.

The Magpies take on Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Thursday defending a 1-0 lead from the UEFA Cup quarter final first leg, then three days later they run out at the Millennium Stadium for the first time when they meet Manchester United in the FA Cup semi final.

Given missed Sunday's defeat at Tottenham after being forced out of the first leg win over Sporting with a hip injury, and he is now having round the clock treatment ahead of the crucial double-header.

"I haven't done anything since last Thursday, and I won't know how the injury is until I start doing goalkeeping again in training," said Given.

"I've been having treatment since Thursday and taking anti-inflammatories as much as I can, so I'm hoping it's going to be OK.

"The physios Derek Wright and Paul Ferris are both doing their best to try and sort it for me, but the injury is quite deep-lying so there's not much they can do to get at it.

"I'm just hoping the tablets kick in, and hopefully I'll be OK.

"I've been fit for the last four years, and this is the first time I've been out through injury.