The form of Brad Guzan has left Shay Given facing a fight to reclaim his position as Aston Villa's No.1 goalkeeper.
Villa goalkeepers to fight to be McLeish's No.1
The form of Brad Guzan has left Shay Given facing a fight to reclaim his position as Aston Villa's No.1 goalkeeper.
Republic of Ireland international Guzan has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United at Villa Park on 3rd December.
Given, 35, had created a favourable impression after his summer move from Manchester City on a five-year deal.
But Given knows the performances of Guzan mean he can take nothing for granted ahead of Alex McLeish selecting his team for Saturday's home clash with Everton.
Given said: "I don't know what the manager's thoughts are, whether I will be in the squad to face Everton or not.
Competition
"I want to try and get back in as soon as I can and hopefully it will happen on Saturday.
"But every player has to fight for his place, however, and Brad has done a great job in my absence.
"I think you need competition for places in every position if you want to be a successful club and it's the same here with Brad.
"It does keep you on your toes, it does keep you sharp and working hard, because you know you have a fight on your hands to try and play.
"That's the way it should be. You don't want it to be easy, because you can take your foot off the gas a bit and it shouldn't be like that.
"The team have also played really well and I'm delighted for the team and I'm delighted for Brad, because we've had some fantastic results over the past few weeks."
