Former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Shay-Given-c33284 is looking forward to Aston Villa’s Premier League opening day clash against West Ham United on Saturday.
The Irish goalkeeper has warned his teammates to prepare for a tough and physical battle against newly promoted West Ham United. The player believes that West Ham’s direct style of play will prove to be a tough challenge for his side, but is still confident
that they will manage to withstand it.
The goalkeeper warned his teammates to expect a ‘baptism of fire’ when they come off against West Ham at Upton Park. The Hammers are known to be direct and physical under manager Sam Allardyce, who is no stranger to the Premier League and has managed a number
of clubs there.
Allardyce has garnished a reputation for assembling physically formidable and intimidating teams who are known for their direct style of attack and play. Shay Given is very much familiar with this style of play, having spent a short term under Allardyce
back at Newcastle United.
Speaking to reporters, Given said:
"I know what is coming. Because I have played against teams of Sam Allardyce before and even played for him. He is quite direct how he plays."
The Irish shot stopper mentioned Villa’s new signings in particular and warned them about this particular brand of football. Aston Villa recently brought three players from the Dutch Eredivisie; Karim El-Ahmadi, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ron-Vlaar-c31697, and Given was
quick to issue out a warning to his new teammates.
"Some of our new signings haven't played in the Premier League and, coming from Holland, it is going to be a bit of a baptism of fire," he added.
"We must be on top of our game as we're going to a right den."
Given recently called time on his international career and express his decision to focus on Aston Villa as the primary factor behind his retirement. The player has managed a record number of 125 appearances over a period of 16 years and also appeared in
two major championships, including the 2002 World Cup and the 2012 Euro tournament back in June.
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