Newcastle v PSG: 'An unbelievable occasion' – Shay Given relishing Champions League showdown at St James' Park

Shay Given is pumped for "an unbelievable occasion" when Newcastle host PSG in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, highlighting an intriguing on-pitch duel between Kieran Trippier and Kylian Mbappe.

The Magpies will be hosting the continent’s elite for the first time in more than 20 years, with France star Mbappe the biggest threat as the French champions touch down on Tyneside.

But Given, speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the clash, said Trippier is well equipped to handle the 2018 World Cup winner.

"It’s going to be fantastic to see Mbappe at St James’ Park. He’s a superstar and a lot of the young fans will be seeing players of his calibre for the first time," he said.

"Kieran Trippier had a great time at Atletico and played in some big Champions League games there. You can’t speak highly enough of his performances since he came to the club and he’s started the season really well.

"Against Milan with [Rafael] Leao, he was their star man and biggest threat. He had his moments but there were times in the game where Trippier was really close and tight to him. He wouldn’t let him turn.

"If Leao or Mbappe get you into a one-on-one situation, it can be very difficult for any defender to stop them. It’s important that Trippier does a similar sort of job on Mbappe."

With that in mind, Given is expecting Newcastle to hassle and harry PSG at every opportunity and highlighted the important role the Geordie faithful will play on the night.

"Paris Saint Germain in the first Champions League game at St James’ in 20 years is going to be an unbelievable occasion," he said.

He continued: "I think the idea will be to press PSG high up the pitch and not let them settle on the ball, because we know we have the quality to hurt them if we do.

"I don’t think any of these clubs will fancy going to St James’ Park and it’s a chance for Newcastle to put down a marker. If you come here, we’ll show you it’s not going to be an easy game.

"This is going to be helter-skelter, heavy metal football. With the fans playing their part, it’s going to be a brilliant game."

Eddie Howe’s side rode their luck at times after grinding out a goalless draw in their Group F opener away at AC Milan and Given highlighted the significance of that result heading into Wednesday’s match.

"Going to the San Siro was a brilliant point for them,” he explained.

"Milan were brilliant that night and probably deserved to win, but credit to Newcastle for the performance they put in from a defensive side of things.

"Nick Pope was excellent as well, so there were a lot of positives in that game. People will say they didn’t create much going forward, but if you get points on the road in the Champions League, especially in the group they’re in, and get a few victories at home, they’ve got a chance of getting through.

"Five clean sheets in a row builds into the good stuff they were doing last season and they’re scoring goals again as well."

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