Shay Given optimistic about his comeback, Zigic looking to adapt to English game
Shay Given the former Newcastle keeper is finally ready to come back into the action. He has been out since April of this year, when he fell on his shoulder while collecting the ball and injured himself quite badly. His club Manchester City is currently on a pre season tour in USA and he is expected to feature in the match against Club America.
Given is looking optimistic and said that he would be able to judge his fitness once he steps out in an actual game. He said that the match against Club America should be a good time for him to test out his shoulder and on a lighter note he said that he hopes that his defenders are off their game so that he is able to test himself to the max. He said that the next match against the Italian and European champions Inter Milan on Saturday would be even more testing.
Given said that he has not yet confirmed with the manager if he would be able to take part in the next 2 matches, but he said that before the season starts these games are the best time for him to test himself. He went on to say that when he suffered the injury many thoughts went through his head. He added that at the age of 34 one can never be sure when his career could come to an end, but he worked really hard on his recovery and is glad to be back in time for the season to start.
Given said that age has never been and never will be a factor for him, he said that he is still as enthusiastic about playing football as he was in his teens. The former international goalkeeper said that it is the desire to perform week in and week out that keeps him going, he said that he has never thought of settling for mediocrity and being best at what he does has always been his goal.
Meanwhile a new recruit to the English game Nikola Zigic is also looking forward to the upcoming season. The 6 foot 8 inches tall striker who signed from Valencia to Birmingham city for 6 million pounds and has been on tour with the team. Birmingham has been on a pre season tour to Hong Kong and China. Zigic joined the team late because he was on extended holidays following his efforts for his country Serbia in the world cup.
The striker said that he has no doubts that he would be able to adapt to the style of English football in no time. He added that he does understand that there is a significant difference between Spanish and English football. He said that the slow technical nature of Spanish football did suit his game and he had some good success in Spain. But still that this does not mean that the speedy quick game in England would be difficult for him to adapt to. He said that he has been watching English football on television for years and knows what to expect. He added that the short time he has had with the team has helped him immensely in understanding his team mate and the manager. The tall Serbian said that being an international player means having the ability to adapt to any style of play and that is what he would do.
Zigic said that Birmingham is a team that thrives on its passing game; he said that being tall does not mean that the long ball game is his only approach. He added that the passing game will suit his game and he is very optimistic about the upcoming season.
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