FRESH from the comfortable surroundings of an international arena, Shay Given was issued with a stark reminder of how tough life is back in the Premiership - but he emerged with his reputation well and truly intact.

Two months after requiring surgery on a perforated bowel sustained in a clash with West Ham's Marlon Harewood, Given could not have been any busier on his return to league action.

The Irishman - after being eased into action in his country's 5-0 win over San Marino last Wednesday - made save after save during the second half of the Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Arsenal and was only beaten by a piece of predictable magic from Thierry Henry.

Given's display highlighted his bravery but, having helped Newcastle to claim a point in north London, he insists climbing out of the relegation zone will count for little if they fail to build on the result.

After Celta Vigo have been to St James' Park for a UEFA Cup tie on Thursday, Portsmouth offer Newcastle an opportunity to win in the Premiership for the first time since West Ham in mid-September - ironically the game in which Given was injured.

"Performances and results like this give the team a lot of belief," said Given. "They definitely do that. The next game is Portsmouth and after claiming a point from this then we can take a lot of confidence into that.

"It is important that we build on this though.

"We knew it was going to be hard on Saturday, even when Thierry Henry was named on the bench. Then when Henry came on at half-time it was always going to be even harder and that's how it proved.

"We knew we were going to come under pressure and that's what's happened but we defended well enough to claim a point - we could have claimed all three.

"We broke away and could have had a couple of others on the breakaway. We have got a point from this and we can take a lot of belief from this."

Despite surrendering the lead, but Given has taken plenty encouragement from what his team-mates did on their first visit to the Emirates.

Playing with just Obafemi Martins up front and Kieron Dyer supporting, the pace of the attacking two caused Arsenal problems throughout.

And, having watched Dyer score his first goal in 20 months on his first start since April, Given is relishing the opportunity to work with Dyer again.

"He showed what he brings to us. Even in front of goal, which is something he has not always been renowned for, he gives us that little bit different," said Given.

"The finish was fantastic. He side-stepped his man and applied a fantastic finish into the in-side netting. He has the pace to frighten defenders and that's exactly what he did here.

"Obafemi Martins also has similar pace and he has come in for some criticism recently but he was great for us out there.

"He worked his socks off on his own and that is a role that is hard to play. Oba and Kieron have not played much this season but showed as the game went on how much they wanted it.

"I know from the last couple of months how frustrating it is not to play so I can only imagine what it is like to be out for as long as he (Dyer) has been."

Given also had sympathy for his understudy Steve Harper. Harper, who will have an operation on a groin problem soon, was on the bench at Arsenal.

"He is unlucky to be out of the team," said Given. "Stevie deserves a lot of credit for his performances in the team while I was out."

Craig Moore may miss Thursday's UEFA Cup tie with Celta Viga with a hamstring problem.