Premier League news: Michael Kightly’s condition, Shay Given aiming title, Gerrard’s ambition
Kightly’s condition:
Michael Kightly currently plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers and was a key player in getting his club to the top flight of English football. He however broke his foot in March 2009, but recovered fully and started the next season. He was however injured, again, suffering an ankle injury and missed two months further. The injury nightmare was not over yet, as he suffered a Patella problem and could not play the latter half of the season. There is good news for the fans however as Kightly has resumed light workout session, reportedly on anti-gravity treadmill which will help him recover.
The Wolves coach, Mick McCarthy is hopeful that Kightly will resume full training and perhaps play in the pre-friendlies in Ireland. He also hopes that left back Stephen Ward will also return following his surgery on a cartilage. The coach added that Kightly and Ward will have two weeks to finish their rehabilitation work and will love the players to join the team in Ireland.
Given aims a title:
Former Newcastle United Goal keeper, Shay Given, joined Manchester City when the Magpies were relegated last season. Manchester City finished 5th in the league to a previous 10th, and splashed some heavy cash to bring about some top players to the outfit. Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robinho were few big names which joined City last year. City has signed David Silva, Boateng and Yaya Toure this season and aim to break into the top four to have a shot at the UEFA Champions League. They enjoy a strong squad and Given considers that it is time for the top players to deliver and add some trophies to the club. Given stated that the club has invested a lot in securing top players, and both the managers and the squad will be under pressure to perform well and get win trophies. He praised City for having a top squad, and claimed that the club has the talent to challenge the top clubs in England as well as Europe.
He explained that the club should be aiming to win the league, and if they fail, only then they should aim to remain in the top four. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were the three clubs he named that will need to be challenged if they want to win the league. Many believe that having too many top players in one team can be a tricky situation, but Given was confident that it will be a learning experience for everyone. He added that working with quality players like Tevez and Silva will be beneficial for the club, and the only problem for the manager will be in deciding the starting XI. He however claimed that he will opt for a big squad rather than the one without much depth.
Gerrard’s ambition:
Liverpool Captain, Steven Gerrard, stated that he will not quit from international football, despite his side’s early exit from the World Cup. Gerrard was the captain of the English outfit when his team visited South Africa for the World Cup campaign, and had a disappointing tournament. They were humiliated by a much stronger German squad, as they were thrashed 4-1 in the knockout stage and crashed out of the World Cup. However, Gerrard still aims to play for his side and refuses to retire. His team mate at Liverpool, Jamie Carragher, has again announced his withdrawal from the English squad, having been forced out of retirement by manager Fabio Capello. However, Gerrard will have to up his game now, as Capello vows to inject some new blood after the veterans failed to perform.
Steven Gerrard however wanted to keep on going and added that he will not quit after the disappointing performance against Germany.
"I expect there to be a lot of changes to the squad and it is up to the manager whether I am selected, but I am going to continue to make myself available for my country.” the Liverpool captain stated.
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