Shay Given not ready to share the glory
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has made it clear that he is back to full fitness, and he is not ready to give up his starting spot in the team. The Irish Goalkeeper is believed to be looking forward to having talks with the manager Roberto Mancini, who had earlier suggested that Joe Hart may play a crucial role in the upcoming season for Manchester City.
Given was walking at a press briefing ahead of Northern Ireland’s friendly match against Argentina. He made it clear that by no means he is ready to play second fiddle to signing Joe Hart.
Hart spent a season on loan at Birmingham and was very impressive; that is the reason Mancini has decided to call him back. Birmingham City, however, were very impressed with the 23 year old but Mancini refused to sell the English keeper.
Now the interest of the manager in Joe Hart and Given making his way back from injury, has given way to speculation that Given may not be the first choice keeper this season for Manchester City.
Given is now 34 years old and knows his career for Manchester City and Northern Ireland depends on him getting first team football. He can no longer afford to be on the bench for longer periods and wants to play in every game.
Shay Given said that the first match of the new season will go a long way towards determining who Mancini would favour this season. He said by Saturday afternoon it will be quite clear as to who the manager is leaning towards.
Various clubs have tried to make use of the uncertainty surrounding Shay Given, and clubs like Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham are believed to be interested in attaining his services.
He said that whoever is picked on Saturday will be the most likely choice to be between the posts in big games throughout the season.
The 34 year old said that in-case he does not get the nod from the manager in the first game, he will have to sit down with him and have a detailed talk about his future. He reiterated that he is at a stage of his career that he can no longer afford to play an understudy.
Given said he is not planning on leaving the club and wants to stay. He added that Manchester City is an ambitious club with owners that have the interest of the club at heart. He went on to say that he feels very much at home in the city of Manchester and will like to end his career here if given proper opportunities.
Shay Given believes that the club is heading in the right direction, with the funds available to them and the manager at the helm. Manchester City for sure can put up a good fight to Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, Given added that if he still is faced with circumstances that may make him leave, he will make sure that all things are handled in a proper and humble manner. He said that going away on loan may also be an option. He said that it is a good thing that the transfer market does not close till 31st of August so he will have plenty of time to decide his future.
Shay Given spent a good 8 years at Newcastle United and was pretty much the first choice throughout; he eventually left the club when Newcastle were relegated.
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