Back Between The Posts: Shay Given Returns to First Team Football

“It's nice to feel wanted as part of a team”

Those were the words Shay Given used to describe his Aston Villa debut at Fulham last saturday.

An unhappy Given watches
on from the Man City bench.

The Irish national keeper was finally able to put his Manchester City nightmare behind him after his move to the midlanders this summer, and despite only picking up a point at Craven Cottage Given was obviously delighted to be the back between the posts in competitive league football.

“For me personally knowing I was going to be playing was pretty special, its great to be back and nice to start with a clean sheet.”

Given had every right to be pleased after producing a performance that kept his new club in a tie that, on another day, could have seen Villa leave the capital pointless.

After keeping Andy Johnson's effort out just before half time Given twice denied Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, first with a reflex save from close range and then moments later using his legs to keep the English striker from breaking the deadlock.

But Given was unable to pick out a choice save from the afternoon when asked.

“I dunno..... all of them, as long as you keep the ball out of the net it doesn't matter,” adding modestly

“the lads put some great blocks in in front of me as well which deserve great credit.”

The blocks in question came from defenders Steven Warnock, fellow Ireland International Richard Dunne and striker Emile Heskey as Villa pushed back a Fulham side that was able to fashion the more clearcut chances on the day.

Still Got It. Given denies Bobby Zamora from six yards.

“Its a good result

“We've started with a tough away point,” but Given's thoughts soon turned to the following weeks fixture at home to Blackburn.

“It'll be nice to go there to Villa Park [next week] and hopefully have a big crowd and if we can get three points thats the most important thing.

“We want to get a first victory on the board and hopefully we can do it at home next week.”