Highly rated goalkeeper and the target of a number of top clubs before
choosing to join Newcastle from Blackburn in the 1997 close season. As
an almost permanent understudy to England's Tim Flowers at Ewood Park,
Shay (capped ten times for the Republic of Ireland before this season)had
played only twice for Rovers' first team before his move. However, he showed
his ability in 17 appearances on loan to Sunderland in 1996 and five at
Swindon the previous year, when he kept 16 clean sheets. Originally a junior
at Glasgow Celtic, Shay has also played for the Republic of Ireland Youth
and Under 21 teams.
