Shay Given rolled back the years against former club Newcastle and insisted he has nothing to prove to anyone.
Republic of Ireland international believes he can get better
Shay Given rolled back the years against former club Newcastle and insisted he has nothing to prove to anyone.
The 35-year-old was imperious for Aston Villa and produced a string of top-class saves to frustrate his former employers in Saturday's 1-1 draw.
Given signed for Villa in the summer after finding himself surplus to requirements by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.
A move to the Midlands seems to have reinvigorated him but the Republic of Ireland 'keeper maintains his class was never in doubt.
Doubted
"I've never doubted myself," he said. "It was all about one man's opinion. I feel I'm on top of my game and playing as well as ever.
"They say keepers get better with age, and hopefully that happens with me. It was nice to see some of the staff again.
"I had 12 great years there and I've got some great memories and great friends."
Alan Pardew and his team had stayed at the same hotel that Given currently resides in while he looks for a permanent base.
Sinister
And with tongue firmly in cheek, the Magpies chief suggested they should have used sinister means to stop Given from taking the field.
"Ironically, an iconic player at Newcastle stopped us winning the game," said Pardew.
"He was in our hotel. We tried to slip something into his drink but without any success. He's a massive player for Villa and was a great signing."
Gabriel Agbonlahor had given Villa an early lead in the game before Leon Best scored from close range three minutes before the hour mark.
