Birthplace: Lifford, Co. Donegal
Date Signed: 14 July 1997
Debut:  9 August 1997 v Sheffield Wednesday (H)

International Career:
86 Full Republic of Ireland caps, 1996 - date
Debut: 27 March 1996 v Russia in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland international who started out at Celtic and joined Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers in July 1997.

Unable to replace England international Tim Flowers at Blackburn, Shay went on loan to Swindon and Sunderland in 1995-1996 and performed magnificently, earning a reputation which spread throughout the game. Kenny Dalglish, who had taken Shay to Blackburn from Celtic in 1994, moved in to bring him to St. James' Park.

He played in the 1998 FA Cup Final but missed out on the 1999 Final when displaced by Steve Harper. Earning the number 1 spot once again in 2000, Shay was once again in magnificent form for club and country and earned most supporters' awards as their Player of the Season.

Lost his place briefly in the first team to friend and rival Steve Harper over the Christmas and New Year period due to injury which prompted a transfer request from the Irishman. But this was quickly withdrawn as Shay admitted he had acted in haste.

When an injury to Harper this time gave Shay the keeper's berth back as United won 3-1 at Elland Road, Shay was an ever present right up to the end of the season.

In 2001/02 Shay played in every Premiership match and was named in the PFA Premiership team of the season. He was also voted Player of the Year by the NE Football Writers. Shay had an outstanding 2002 World Cup for Ireland in Japan & Korea but was powerless to stop his side exiting the tournament on penalties to Spain.

In February 2003, Shay made the shortlist for the FAPL's 10 Seasons Award under the category 'Save of the Decade', the save in question being his magnificent leap to his left to turn away Kevin Phillip's goal bound effort in the Tyne-Wear derby at Sunderland on 24 February 2002.

Became United's most capped International player on 30 April 2003 when he won his 41st cap (50th in total) whilst at St. James' Park, overtaking Alf McMichael's previous record.

Ended 2003/04 as the 'current' holder of the Premiership consecutive appearances record, now surrended to Frank Lampard. Became United's most experienced European performer in game against Hapoel Sakhnin on 16 Sept 2004 (now 62 games).

The goal conceded at Wigan on 15 October 2005 meant Shay 'raised' his Premiership 'shut-out' record to 387 minutes (all comps record is 425 mins in 2001). Named Sports Personality of the Year by Sport Newcastle on 13 March 2006.

Made his 400th career appearance at Middlesbrough on 9 April 2006 and after Alan Shearer's injury, captained United for the last 3 games of the 2005/06 campaign.

Named in the Premiership team of the Season for 2005/06 and signed a new 5-year United contract on 12 May 2006. By the end of the 2005/06 season, Shay had only missed two Premiership games for United in five seasons.

In June 2006, in his hometown of Lifford, Shay was conferred with the Freedom of County Donegal. Suffered a serious injury at West Ham on 17 September 206 which necessitated emergency surgery to repair a tear in his abdomen.

Joined United's '400' club on 1 January 2007 and is currently sixth in the Magpies' all time appearances list. Won his 80th International cap (and captain for the day) against Slovakia on 28 March 2007 in Dublin and equalled Packie Bonner's record for Irish goalkeeper caps (now 85).