Birmingham Mail: Shay Given's international retirement is Ireland's loss and Aston Villa's gain, according to one of the veteran keeper's team-mates for club and country. Given announced he is to hang up his Emerald Green gloves this week after his nation's disappointing involvement in Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland. And Ciaran Clark, who is hoping to make a name for himself with Ireland, admits Villa could benefit from the 36-year-old's difficult decision.

Birmingham Mail: Matthew Lowton is confident he will be fighting fit to make his Premier League debut for Aston Villa after quickly recovering from a minor injury scare. Lowton missed the 3-3 draw in Villa's final friendly at Werder Bremen on Saturday after hurting his ankle in training in Germany.

The Sun: Stephen Ireland is loving life under new Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert. He said: "The manager has only been here a few weeks but you can tell that the players are developing."

Daily Star: Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is worried he could lose more of his senior stars following keeper Shay Given's retirement.

Daily Mirror: Aston Villa's forgotten man Jean II Makoun is off to French side Rennes for cheap - to boost Paul Lambert's kitty.

Daily Express: Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has told supporters not to get their hopes up that further arrivals will join the club before Saturday's match with West Ham.

Sky Sports: Stephen Ireland has promised Aston Villa fans a successful season after the club's dalliance with relegation last year.

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BBC Sport: Roy Hodgson says he will use England's friendly against Italy to look at younger players he hopes can help England qualify for the next World Cup.

Sky Sports: Holland boss Louis van Gaal has revealed he has spoken with Robin van Persie over where his club future lies but insists the decision ultimately comes down to the sought-after striker.

BBC Sport: Wolves have rejected a third offer from Sunderland for striker Steven Fletcher.

BBC Sport: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he is still waiting to hear if the club will offer him a new contact.

Sky Sports: Balu Chainrai has confirmed he is withdrawing his bid to buy Portsmouth to leave the troubled League One club in danger of liquidation.

*The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aston Villa.