Gunnar Nielsen insists he is ready to step into Shay Given's shoes as Manchester City's No.1.
Shot-stopper tells Eastlands faithful he will not crumble between sticks
Gunnar Nielsen insists he is ready to step into Shay Given's shoes as Manchester City's No.1.
The little-known Faroe Islands international looks set to take centre stage in City's push for a top-four finish as Given was ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder in the goalless draw at Arsenal on Saturday.
Given's injury means Nielsen is Roberto Mancini's only option, with normal No.2 Stuart Taylor recovering from knee surgery while Joe Hart's loan to Birmingham City runs until the end of the season.
And the 23-year-old, whose only previous experience of first-team football in England came last year on loan at Wrexham, revealed being thrust into the limelight against Arsenal had created a stir back in his home country.
Unbelievable
"The Faroe Islands is only a small country, 50,000 people, and I think they will be very proud. They know I've been trying for years," Nielsen, who has just two caps to his name, said on City's
official website.
"It was an unbelievable feeling afterwards, but when I did come on it was just so intense - it was a high pressure game and I had to stay focused. I like to think I'm calm under pressure.
"But I've not played too many games, especially at this level - hey, I've just started at the top, the rest will be easy.
"I'm Gunnar, they're nicknamed the Gunners, so maybe it was fate.
"But Shay looked in bad pain. He's a really top guy, I've learned so much from him and he's been brilliant with me all season. I'm gutted for him."
Nielsen revealed he would be looking to ensure Given is missed as little as possible, starting against Aston Villa where he will go up against former Blackburn team-mate Brad Friedel.
"Shay has been so consistent for us - he's calm and experienced, and I want to be like that," added the former Frem goalkeeper.
"When I'm out on the pitch I do like to shout at the guys - talking to the other players helps me a lot.
"Being No.2 is difficult. I've been training hard with our coach Massimo. If it's serious with Shay then it's probably going to be a couple of games for me.
"If I play against Aston Villa I'll be up against Brad Friedel, who was the main man when I was at Blackburn Rovers. He's a top man - I'd be playing against one of my heroes.
"But I don't know whether my family and friends would be able to come over and watch. That might all depend on the ash cloud - we're a bit close to Iceland."
