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McLeish hopeful on Given

Image: Shay Given: Alex McLeish hoping the Irish goalkeeper has not suffered a bad hamstring tear

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is crossing his fingers Shay Given only suffered a grade one hamstring tear against Manchester United.

Villa manager hoping goalkeeper's injury not serious

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is crossing his fingers Shay Given only suffered a grade one hamstring tear against Manchester United. The Republic of Ireland international was forced out of the action in the first half at Villa after racing out of his goal to halt a United attack. Given immediately reached for his left hamstring and it quickly became apparent the 35-year-old would be unable to continue. American shot-stopper Brad Guzan came on for his first-ever Premier League appearance and McLeish believes he should be proud of his performance. "I'm not sure but I think Shay had a little tweak in his hamstring. Hopefully it's a grade one (tear) and will heal really quickly," he said. "Brad Guzan can be proud of the way he came in in those circumstances." Villa also lost on-loan midfielder Jermaine Jenas to an Achilles injury and the Scottish tactician believes it is too early to comment on a possible spell out. "As for Jermaine Jenas, we don't know, but we think he's had an injury to his Achilles but we will wait until the morning to see," he concluded.

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