Shay Given completes Villa move

Aston Villa have completed the signing Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given from Manchester City.

The 35-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Villa Park after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Given told the club's website: "Aston Villa is a huge club and I'm really excited to be joining. It's a new challenge and I'm eager to embrace it."

Given had been on the margins at Eastlands after City manager Roberto Mancini made England international Joe Hart his first choice.

The Irish international he will make his Villa debut in a friendly against Walsall on Thursday.

He is McLeish's first signing since taking over at Villa Park and the former Birmingham manager believes Given will have a major impact at the club.

"Shay has come here with something of a point to prove and that won't do him any harm at all," McLeish said.

"Everybody who has watched him perform over many years in the Premier League will know his pedigree so we believe we have secured the services of one of the best goalkeepers in the business."

Villa defender and Ireland team-mate Richard Dunne is delighted at the prospect of being reunited with Given and told the Birmingham Mail: "He was frustrated over the way things have gone over the last year, I think he just wants to get playing again and he'll be looking forward to it.

"I spoke to him on Friday when he got here and I think he was surprised about how good the facilities and the setup are here at Bodymoor.

"I think it's a good opportunity for Shay to get back to playing football and I think it's one he's really looking forward to."


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Shay Given fit for Macedonia qualifier

Shay Given will be fit to play for Ireland in June’s European Championship qualifier in Macedonia. Irish goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly confirmed in Dublin that Manchester City back up keeper Given will be fit in time for the club’s first FA Cup final since 1981.

The Donegal goal stopper missed the March win over Macedonia after undergoing surgery on another shoulder injury in February but is back in full training with his club.

"Shay sent a message this week to tell us that he is back in full training and doing very well," said Kelly at the annual Dublin Docklands Coaching for Kids festival.

"He is fighting fit once again and looking forward to getting back on the field with City and with Ireland.

"He is pushing the envelope and I will be very surprised if he’s not on the bench for City for the FA Cup final against Stoke and back forIreland in the games at the end of next month."

Given surgery may hinder Trapattoni's plans

Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given will find out this week if he needs to go under the surgeons knife after the Man City goalkeeper sustained a shoulder injury in training.

Man City manager Roberto Mancini revealed "He has a shoulder problem and next week he will go to the doctor in London to see if he needs surgery,"

Should The Donegal born keeper require surgery he would be certain to miss Ireland's crucial European Championship qualifier with Macedonia in Dublin next month and would a major blow to Giovanni Trapattoni's preparations for the game.

Sought after Coventry City goalkeeper Keiren Westwood would deputise in the event of a lengthy lay-off for Given.

Celtic, Wigan and Everton all showed a keen interest in the keeper during the Winter transfer window and Westwood will be a free agent in the summer.

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Whirlwind week for Greg Cunningham

19 year old Ireland international Greg Cunningham said that Saturday's Championship defeat at Swansea was a tough start to his loan spell at Leicester City.

The Galway born defender was thrown into the action at the Liberty Stadium just 48 hours after completing the loan switch until January from Manchester City.

Cunningham replaced the more experienced Bruno Berner at left-back and had a gripping personal duel with flying Swans winger Nathan Dyer as well as picking up a cut knee.

Cunningham said: "It was a tough game against a team who knocked it around well."

His battle with Dyer was one of the eye-catching duels of the day and it was about honours even at the end.

The youngster said: "He is a very good player and it was a test for me but I tried to stick to the task."

Cunningham was also in the wars and had to leave the field for treatment during the second half of the contest before returning to complete the 90 minutes.

"I got accidentally caught on the knee by Chris Weale's studs. They wanted to stitch it but I said that would take too long as I wanted to get back out there and stitch it later."

Cunningham's City's debut completed a whirlwind few days for the youngster.

He said: "I played for our reserves on Tuesday night at Wigan and then I was told Leicester wanted me on loan so I went there on Wednesday and met the lads for training on Thursday. They are a great bunch who really made me welcome. I want to play as much as I can while I'm here because I can already see it is a fantastic club with great fans."

City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson was in charge of Manchester City during Cunningham's first year at Eastlands, although their paths rarely crossed.

Cunningham said: "He was with the first-team squad at Carrington while I was with the Academy at Platt Lane so I didn't see him much.

"However, he had a good season and he has proved to be a good manager wherever he has gone."

His long-term aim will be to impress current Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini as he looks to add to his Carling Cup appearance at West Brom earlier in the season, an appearance that rules him out of Leicester's clash with the Baggies tomorrow night.

He said: "I'll just work hard each day and try to get as many games as I can between now and January and see what happens."

Cunningham gets valuable game-time with Leicester

Nineteen year old Ireland international Greg Cunningham looks set to get some regular game-time at club level after joining Sven Goran Eriksson's Leicester City on loan until January.

The young Manchester City star is Eriksson's fourth recruit since taking over as City boss goes straight into the squad for Saturdays Championship clash at Swansea.

Galway native Cunningham played in the Carling Cup for Roberto Mancini's side this season after three appearances as a substitute during the previous campaign and he signed a new four-year deal at the club in August.

The highly talented left back made his Ireland debut against Algeria in May and also came on as a substitute in the glamour friendly against Argentina in August.

Speakng about his latest signing Eriksson said: "He is a young player with a good left foot who likes to get forward. He played for Manchester City reserves earlier this week and he has been training all season, so his fitness should be good."

Cunningham pens new 4 year City deal

Ireland and Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The 19-year-old left-back has been staking his claim in the senior squad at Eastlands since January and has impressed manager Roberto Mancini enough to earn a new deal.

Galway native Cunningham admits he is delighted to have put pen to paper, and has ambitions of breaking into the first team in the not-too-distant future.

"I'm delighted to have signed a new deal with City," he told the club's official website.

"Now I need to impress the manager as much as I can and get as much game time as I can, too.

"I've been working hard and it's been an unbelievable year for me so far. To get this new deal sorted and win my first full cap for my country has exceeded all my expectations."

Ireland international Cunningham has earned a couple of call-ups in his short career to date and loves representing his country.

He added: "To play at any level for Ireland is an honour but to play a full game against Algeria and then another 30 minutes against Argentina recently is a dream come true."

Shay Given may consider City future

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has stated he will consider his future at Manchester City if he's not selected for the opening game of the new Barclays Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Given, who has recovered from a shoulder injury that saw him miss the final three games of last season, is in a battle with Joe Hart for the number one shirt at Eastlands and is considering a transfer or loan move if he's not picked this weekend.

Meanwhile, Ireland trained in Malahide this morning ahead of Wednesday's international against Argentina.

Richard Dunne, John O'Shea and Kevin Doyle sat out the session because of injury.

Aiden McGeedy has been given permission to miss the match as he closes in on a move to Spartak Moscow.

Shay Given suffers serious shoulder injury

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given looks set to miss the upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Algeria at the RDS after seriously injuring his shoulder in Manchester City’s Premier League draw against Arsenal at The Emirates this evening.

The Donegal born player landed heavily on his left shoulder in pulling off a save from a stinging Vassiriki Diaby shot and looked in a lot of pain during lengthy treatment on the pitch.

Given was administered oxygen before being taken off on a stretcher to be replaced by Gunnar Nielsen.

The worry for Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is that Given has already had surgery on a left shoulder that has troubled him throughout his career.

If he requires a further operation it could also rule him out of the glamour friendly against Argentina at the new Aviva Stadium on August 11th, before Trapattoni’s side open their European Championship qualifying campaign away to Armenia on September 3rd.

100 caps Given to captain Ireland

Shay Given will captain Ireland in Wednesday night's final World Cup qualifier against Montenegro as he wins his 100th senior international cap.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has handed the 33-year-old Donegal man the captain's armband as he and full-back Kevin Kilbane each complete a century to leave themselves only two adrift of Steve Staunton, Ireland's most-capped player.

The Manchester City keeper takes over from Robbie Keane, who may play only 45 minutes at Croke Park as Trapattoni attempts to keep his players fresh for next month's play-off.

Given goes into the game knowing he must avoid a second caution of the qualifying campaign if he is to make himself available for the first match of the play-off.

Midfielders Keith Andrews and Aiden McGeady are likely to be rested for just that reason, while striker Leon Best is also on a yellow card.

Dunne a Sunderland target

Sunderland face an anxious wait to see if they can attract defender Richard Dunne away from Manchester City.

New Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has been heavily linked with a £5million move for the 29-year-old Ireland international since his unveiling as Ricky Sbragia's replacement.

Dunne has emerged as a target amid speculation big-spending City are eyeing Everton's Joleon Lescott and Arsenal's Kolo Toure this summer, but the Black Cats still do not know whether City manager Mark Hughes will be prepared to let the Dubliner leave Eastlands even if he does land his defensive targets.

And even if he is allowed to go, Sunderland are certain to face competition for a player who starred in his country's 1-1 draw in Bulgaria at the start of this month as they edged closer to next summer's World Cup finals.

In the circumstances, they are adopting a measured approach to their summer recruitment programme, which has already seen them touted as potential purchasers for a series of players in a variety of positions.

The acquisition of an experienced central defender to partner £8million signing Anton Ferdinand is a priority, with the former West Ham man having been made to pay for a series of lapses in concentration during his first season on Wearside.

Given and McGeady will be fit says Tardelli

Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli has played down injury concerns surrounding Shay Given and Aiden McGeady.

The Manchester City keeper and Celtic winger received treatment at their clubs on Monday ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

"I'm sure they will be available for the next training," said Tardelli.

Given has a shoulder problem while McGeady picked up a knock in Celtic's game against Dundee United on Sunday.

However, both players are expected to link up with the Republic squad on Tuesday.

Full-back Steve Finnan pulled out of the Irish squad last week because of a hamstring injury.

Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier because of an ankle injury.

The Manchester United forward sustained the injury during the 2-0 defeat by Fulham in the Premier League.

Ireland take on Group Eight leaders Italy in Bari four days after the Bulgaria game.

The Italians edge out Giovanni Trapattoni's team by goal difference with both teams locked on 10 points after four games.

The Football Association of Ireland are having to consider making new travel arrangements for the Republic squad's trip to Bari.

Airports in Ireland are expected to be affected by a nationwide strike on Monday - the day that the squad are scheduled to travel to Italy.

The possibility of travelling on Sunday or delaying the departure to Tuesday is being examined.

Hunt bored with Stephen Ireland speculation

Stephen Hunt has said that there would be 'a riot' if Stephen Ireland only decided to return to the Republic Of Ireland set-up for the World Cup Finals.

Reading star Hunt is clearly unimpressed with the Manchester City midfielder, who has not played for his country since concocting a story about the death of his grandmother in 2007.

On the subject of whether Ireland would return for a possible appearance in the Finals, Hunt told the Sunday Independent: "I'm sure Stephen Ireland wouldn't do that, you'd want to be very sure of yourself to do that.

"I don't think it would be healthy, that wouldn't go down well but then again we want the best players in the squad."

Hunt admits is getting bored with the constant speculation about the Manchester City midfielder.

"I think it's up to one man to come out and clarify the situation, to give someone an indication, whether it's that he'll play next year or in three games' time.

"But it seems like Stephen is just sitting there and not helping anyone. He needs to clarify it and ease the pressure so we know what he's going to do. Then it's up to the manager to pick him."

Trapattoni backs Given to play until 40

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is backing Shay Given to emulate the feats of legendary compatriot Dino Zoff.

The Italian goalkeeper played well into his 40s in a distinguished career which brought him World Cup glory among a host of honours.

Former Italy boss Trapattoni has previously compared Given favourably to Gianluigi Buffon, and after seeing him secure a big money switch to Manchester City from Newcastle last week, is convinced he has much of his career still ahead of him.

The 32-year-old made a superb debut for City in yesterday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League win over Middlesbrough, during which he pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Brazilian striker Afonso Alves, and his international boss was delighted by his form as he joined up with the Ireland squad today.

He said ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifying group eight match against Georgia: 'Goalkeepers are lucky because they can play until they are 40.

'Touch wood, without injuries he could go on like Dino Zoff, who was playing when he was 42 years old.

'Shay, without injuries, could go on for many, many years.

'His mentality is strong and yesterday, his reactions were fantastic. He made three or four very difficult saves.'

Given's exploits for City earned him an early finish in this afternoon's training session at Gannon Park in Malahide, which at one point might have fallen victim to the weather.

Persistent snowfalls in Dublin throughout the morning had given cause for concern, but by the time Trapattoni and his players arrived at their training headquarters on the coast, the surface was fine.

Sunderland defender Paul McShane sat out as he continued his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered during is club's 1-0 win over Fulham on January 27 - his condition will be assessed tomorrow.

Preston's Eddie Nolan has been drafted into the squad with Steve Finnan missing through injury, while Hull striker Caleb Folan has also withdrawn.

But 20-year-old Nolan and Reading striker Kevin Doyle, who faced each other in a 0-0 Coca-Cola Championship draw at the Madejski Stadium yesterday, remained at the team hotel nursing minor knocks.

Manchester United duo John O'Shea and Darron Gibson, and skipper Robbie Keane, will train tomorrow after being on duty for their clubs today.

Keane will join up having made a second debut for Tottenham in their 0-0 draw with Arsenal having been put out of his misery at Liverpool.

The 28-year-old's £12million return to White Hart Lane just six months after securing a £20.3million switch to the club he supported as a boy brought an end to a difficult period in his career.

Trapattoni refused to add to the debate over Rafael Benitez's use of a man he rates as his most influential player, but admitted Ireland will benefit if Keane is happier back on familiar territory than he was at Anfield.

He said: 'Every coach has their system and many times, Liverpool play with only one striker.

'Benitez has international experience and he likes that system. For me, Robbie Keane is important for us, maybe the most important man in the team because he not only scores, but he reads the game and he moves the ball and he understands the game.

'But we have one system and Liverpool has another system. Maybe it is better for him to go back because he will play more often for 90 minutes.

'The first question I was asked last year was 'Is it good if Keane goes to Liverpool?' and I answered it was good because it is a famous team and for him, it would be important to play European games.

'But I know him and I could see he was not happy.

'If he was not happy and he has decided to go back to Tottenham, I am sure it will be a good situation for him because he will regain his confidence, and psychologically, that will be very, very important for him.'

Given glad to have Richard Dunne in front of him

Shay Given is pleased to have Ireland teammate Richard Dunne in front of him at Manchester City.

The keeper, signed from Newcastle United , has lined up with the Blues’ skipper on many occasions for Ireland and he is fulsome in his praise of his new City team mate.

“Dunnie is one of the best centre-halves I have ever played behind,” Given told City's website, “and it will be a bit strange to play with him at club level having only done so for Ireland before. He’s a fantastic player.

“He’s dropped me the odd text over the last few days, and it was good to hook up with him. We go back over a few years with the Irish squad and we know each other well.”

The relationship between keeper and central defender is a key one, as Given continues, “I’ll need to get to know the rest of the lads here and work with them as well, but the centre half and goalkeeper is quite an important partnership. Richard and I have played together a lot for Ireland, and hopefully we’ll improve on that as well.”

Given Looking forward to City challenge

Manchester City new boy Shay Given has admitted he did not sleep on Sunday night because of his excitement at the prospect of his first day at training.

Donegal born Given completed a £6m move from Newcastle United on Sunday and is expected to make his debut against Middlesbrough at Eastlands on Saturday.

The Ireland star has spent the last 11 years at St James' Park, so there was bound to be a bit of apprehension as he stepped into the unknown.

''I was so excited last night that I couldn't sleep,'' he told the club's website.

''It will be like being a kid at a new school at training. I want to meet the lads, get to know my new surrounds and get down to work. I feel the best years are still ahead of me. I work hard in training to keep improving. That will never change.''

A veteran of World Cup and Champions League campaigns, Given is clear to feature in City's assault on the UEFA Cup - which begins against Copenhagen next month.

''I was delighted to get the move tied up, because of the UEFA deadline last night,'' he added. ''I didn't want to be sat in the stand if City are going to be picking up the UEFA Cup later this season.''

Given's arrival has been viewed as bad news for England international Joe Hart, who has been City's number one for the past 18 months.

However, the 32-year-old believes he can offer Hart and City's other young goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel some valuable advice in the future.

''I have a lot of experience that I can pass on,'' he said. ''They might not be all that happy to see me, but I would like to think that we can all work together and all improve together.

''I rate Joe highly. He has done fantastically well this season but he is still very young in goalkeeping terms.'' Although a mass of players have been linked with City, Given is likely to be Mark Hughes' last signing of the transfer window.

Ireland hints at Ireland return

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is ready to return to the international scene with Ireland, according to his father.

Michael Ireland claims his son wants to make himself available to Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni in 2009.

The City star, who has been in superb form for his club this season, decided to opt out of international football after the controversy surrounding his withdrawal from the squad in September 2007.

Talking to the Irish Daily Star Sunday, Michael, 39, said: "The country needs him, he's a good player and he'll go back in his own time.

"He's just focusing on his family right now and Man City. He's keeping his head down, but he'll be back hopefully next year."

He added: "I would never put pressure on him but I'd love to see him at the next World Cup."
Asked if he was considering a return himself, the Cobh-born 22-year-old added: "Yeah, but I'm trying to keep my head down at the moment."

Criticism was heaped on Ireland when he asked to return home early before a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic claiming his grandmother had died, as it later transpired that he lied about the death because his partner had miscarried.

Ireland's next game is a World Cup 2010 qualifier against Georgia at Croke Park in Dublin on February 11.