The Republic of Ireland international was all substituted in Newcastle's previous game at Aston Villa two weeks earlier.
Keegan Says Shay Given Was Rushed Back Too Early!
Keegan: "I take full responsibility for that.
"Shay only had two weeks to get over a groin injury.
"He passed every fitness test, but I knew there was a slight risk playing him. He wanted to play and made every effort to get fit.
"But, at half-time, he said his groin was a little bit achey.
"Rather than be stupid, I took him off, and I thought Steve Harper did well in the second half and made a couple of great saves."