Given on verge of return
Shay Given is on the verge of a return to the Manchester City team as the side continue their pre-season preparations in America.
Given has been out of the side since he dislocated his shoulder at the end of last season, which sparked a goalkeeping crisis at the club. However the manager Roberto Mancini says that Given could play a part in one of the club's friendlies on Thursday.
Given was the difference for Manchester City at various points last season and they rely on him as a solid last line of defence. He has been called the most under-rated goalkeeper in football history and has said that he's just looking forward to a long season with City.
Given has a number of qualities that will mean City are likely to throw him straight back in the side regardless of the nature of the match. However, with Joe Hart now back at the club it will be harder than ever for the Irishman to keep the number one jersey.
Quality
Given has a tremendous amount of quality that makes him a very efficient last line of defence. He seems to be able to read the play and the ball better than other goalkeepers. This allows him to get into better positions where he stands a better chance of saving the ball.
He played hundreds of games for Newcastle United and many have said that were he at a larger club then he would have formed an immense global reputation. This time at Newcastle allowed him to build experience and he can now use this to get the best out of Hart who will be number one at City.
He has managed to keep himself very fit even though he is now well in to his thirties. This means he can carry on playing at the highest level and he will always be fit enough to come in and take his place when required.
He said: "I have not spoken the manager yet but I am hoping to play a part in the game against Club America and if not tomorrow then certainly at the weekend. I have pushed myself hard but not harder than I have any other time I have been injured."
Hart
Joe Hart did very well at Birmingham City last season while he was out on loan. Many said that when City bought Given, Hart would have been well within his rights to have left the club.
However, he proved that he was one of the best goalkeepers in the country and his performances for Birmingham led to him getting a place in England's World Cup squad for the summer. He now looks set to push Given every step of the way as they battle to be in Manchester City's team.
Given added: "All you ever want to do as a player is play. It is no different than being a kid and being desperate to get out on the pitch or the street to kick a ball about. Being injured is incredibly frustrating. I feel sharp and full of optimism for the season ahead and can't wait to get into a game situation."
Advice
There is no doubt that City are going to be very difficult to break down next season and both Given and Hart are not going to concede too many goals while they are the number one goalkeepers at the club.
City are a side that play very much from the back so if the goalkeepers look as though they are in very good form then you can bet confidently on City to win more matches.
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