The 32-year-old was away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland when Keegan's departure was confirmed on Thursday.

Speaking after helping his country to a 2-1 World Cup qualifier victory over Georgia in Mainz, Given said: "It was a bit of a shock.

"He's a great manager and a great bloke and he will be missed, definitely, at the club by the players and the fans."

Given admitted his international commitments mean he is largely in the dark over the week's events at St James' Park.

He said: "There's a lot gone on but I am over here concentrating on a World Cup qualifier.

"I don't like to talk too much about all the stuff that's gone on at the club.

"I know it's happened, but there's not much I can do out here. I don't know what has gone on, really."

However, he is hoping the club can put yet another turbulent week behind them to set about the business of re-establishing themselves in the upper reaches of the Barclays Premier League as the fans round on owner Mike Ashley.

He said: "It's not for me to say what should happen with the owner of the football club. We all want the club to move forward and hopefully, we will do that.

"There's a bit of turmoil at the minute, obviously, but we'd like the get the club back on track and get it going in the right direction again."