Shay Given to start the Europa league fixture in an attempt to appease the Goalkeeper
Manchester City’s goalkeeper Shay Given is expected to feature in Manchester City’s Europa league tie against FC Timisoara. Manager Roberto Mancini looks to make it up to the Ireland goalkeeper, following his omission from the Starting XI from the Premier League Opener against Tottenham Hotspurs. Joe Hart was chosen over the 34-year-old, who single-handily saved the Manchester City’s image from being ruined. Five goal attempts were expertly blocked by the young goalkeeper, putting Given’s future at the club in jeopardy.
The Italian manager attempts to prove that Shay is still required by the squad. Joe Hart’s impressive performance justified Mancini’s choice to choose the 23-year-old over Given. If Shay now stays at the club, he would really have to battle for the number 1 jersey at Manchester City. There are a lot of speculations surrounding the 34-year-old, who has admitted saying that had he not gotten a start against Spurs in the Premier League Opener, he would have a talk with City’s officials to discuss his future at the club. Fulham looks to be occupying the pole position to sign the Ireland international, if the current goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer leaves the club to join Arsenal. Right now Fulham would make a perfect replacement for the departing Schwarzer. Given has made his intention clear of making more first team appearances, as he has only a few years left in his career.
However, the manager is not interested in a permanent deal with the keeper. Mancini may loan out the 34-year-old, with an emergency recall clause in the loan deal. But right now, the number 1 priority for the manager is to convince the Irish player to stay put. The manager expects Given and Hart to enjoy a healthy competition for the number 1 spot, and provide cover for each other, if any one of them gets injured. Discussions are expected to be held between the manager and the player over the issue, and Mancini would be hoping to convince Shay to stay at the club. Therefore, Shay Given is expected to be part of the Starting XI, when M.C travels to Romania for the Europa league playoff.
In the premier league, however, Joe Hart is still the favourite to be in between the sticks, when Liverpool visits the Eastlands on the coming Monday. The manager is trying his utmost to prove to the discontent Irish footballer that he would be given various opportunities, as long as he stays with the club.
Manchester City is also very close to secure the services of star midfielder, James Milner. The midfielder has been part of a summer long transfer saga with City, but a deal is yet to be finalized within the next 24 hours. Negotiations have taken place leading to a mutual agreement between the two parties. But there are a few speculations that the transfers will not take place and the reason behind the deal falling behind is the refusal of City midfielder Stephen Ireland to shift over without proper financial compensations. Ireland has been made part of the deal, as City would be paying nearly 20 million pounds plus Stephan Ireland to sign James Milner. Mancini has no plans for Stephan Ireland and the Irish would be excluded from the 25-man list, if talks between Aston Villa and Manchester City fail. This apparently doesn’t affect Ireland’s decision, who looks to settle the agenda once and for all. Such delays in the deal have created uncertainty in the Aston Villas camp, making the player impatient. However, something is expected to surface in the very near future.
Tags: