By Nick Raynor
August 5 2006

Both Shay Given and Albert Luque have had plenty to say ahead of tonight’s friendly against Villarreal.

Shay Given has warned that a sloppy first hour, like the one in the 3-2 defeat to PSV, will not be acceptable.

 

The Republic of Ireland keeper is determined to not let Newcastle slip up this time round and will be treating this game like a competitive match.

 

Given said:

 

"There is much more at stake in the InterToto Cup games or UEFA games so friendlies for that reason are very different.

 

"But that is no excuse for not performing against PSV.

 

"We know we were not good enough in the first hour and it wasn't up to standard for Newcastle United.

 

"There are no excuses and we can't say we should have done this or should have done that - we were poor in the first hour.

 

"As individuals we know that and we also know that as a team.

 

"It was nice that we came back and got the score to 3-2 - at least the crowd had something to cheer about.

 

"James Milner had a chance at the end and we could have got a draw out of it.

 

"We were unlucky in that sense.

 

"Villarreal will be a tough test. They are an exciting team and have some exciting players.

 

"It won't be easy but you would rather play teams like PSV and Villarreal because you know you will be tested.

 

"Sometimes you learn more from playing against teams when you get beaten, especially against quality teams."

 

Meanwhile, Albert Luque is playing an opposition from his home country and the forward is looking to get his name on the scoresheet and his name in the headlines back home.

 

Luque said:

 

"I know all about Villarreal because they are a Spanish side, and it would be great to score.

 

"They were a big team last year because they got to the last four of the Champions League.

 

"They were knocked out of the InterToto Cup this year, but they have signed more players and are a better team than last season.

 

"I think they have a strong side and it will be a very difficult match."

 

Luque, signed for £9.5 million, did not impress last season and despite speculation he would leave the club, he has got his head down and shown real effort and talent, impressing many Toon fans pre-season.