Image:Alex McLeish: Wanted Shay Given to sign for Birmingham
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted he tried to sign keeper Shay Given last summer when he was the boss of Birmingham.
Villa boss is a big fan of the Irish keeper
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted he tried to sign keeper Shay Given last summer when he was the boss of Birmingham.
McLeish needed to replace Joe Hart when he returned to Manchester City after a loan spell at the club.
The Scot signed Ben Foster from Manchester United after being surprised Sir Alex Ferguson was prepared to let him leave Old Trafford.
McLeish finally linked up with Given at Villa Park this summer although he admits Foster was also under consideration after Birmingham were relegated to the Championship.
Terrific
"I was always thinking about Ben there's no doubt about it. He's a terrific goalkeeper," McLeish said.
"I was focused on Shay, I really had made my mind up when I was announced as manager here that Shay was going to be my number one target.
"He was also a player that I tried to get before Ben at Blues, but it was great to get a goalie of the calibre of Ben.
"I never thought I could get Foster but When Sir Alex sad he would make him available I went for him."
