United legend Shay Given

NEWCASTLE United legend Shay Given has called on Alexander Isak to stick around at St James’ Park this summer for an “exciting season”.

- By LEE RYDER

As news filters through of Isak training alone, Newcastle could be ready to get tough with the Sweden striker with no senior centre-forward on the books and United struggling in front of goal.

The ex-Republic of Ireland star is on the official trip with United as an ambassador and has been supporting club staff by entertaining delighted fans in the Far East at talk-ins and popup merchandise events.

Given was on the team flight when the news broke that Isak had stayed away from the tour of Singapore and Seoul, but feels that Isak has a lot to lose by quitting Newcastle, with Champions League football and the chance to be a hero just around the corner.

Given, who watched on as Newcastle lost to a K-League XI in Suwon on Wednesday, said from the Far East: ‘It is a big story - he's a big player.

“Eddie spoke well about Alex at the Press conference, he gave his honest opinion about the situation.