Given to fight for place

City stopper focused on Eastlands future

Last updated: 5th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Given to fight for place

Given: Focused on City

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Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given is determined to fight for his place in the team after losing out to Joe Hart.

The 34-year-old shot-stopper is regarded by many as one of the best in the business, but has recently been forced to settle for a place on the bench.

Given moved to Eastlands last year and despite some impressive performances for City, has now been dropped by boss Roberto Mancini in favour of Hart, who enjoyed such a successful loan spell at Birmingham last term.

The former Newcastle keeper was strongly linked with a move to both Arsenal and Fulham during the summer transfer window, but now wants to focus on his future in Manchester.

"For me, now the window has closed, that (the possibility of a transfer) has gone," said Given.

"I have got to put my head down and work hard and try to get back in the team.

"I don't feel I have done a lot wrong since I have been at the club, so I suppose it's about proving the manager wrong and trying to work hard to get back in the team and if I get a chance, taking that and seeing how it goes.

"It is frustrating, but this is life at a big club which can buy as many players as it wants. You have got to be patient."

Given joined City from the Magpies in February 2009 and has made 60 appearances for the Eastlands club.