SHAY Given will remain in hospital for "a short stay" after undergoing surgery to repair a small tear in his lower stomach suffered during yesterday's 2-0 victory at West Ham United.

The Irishman spent a comfortable night in a London hospital after receiving treatment following his collision with Hammers' striker Marlon Harewood in the latter stages of the victory at Upton Park.

Manager Glenn Roeder told nufc.co.uk: "Shay has had surgery to repair a small tear in his lower stomach.

"He is comfortable and will have a short stay in hospital.

"We'll let things settle down now and it's too early to be putting any date on when he'll be expected back."

United have a double Mersey mission looming, with Wednesday's trip to Liverpool followed by Everton's visit to St. James' Park on Sunday.

Steve Harper deputised for Given in the closing moments at West Ham and boss Roeder knows he his long-standing back-up keeper will be ready to answer any call-up.