Shay Given

LATEST NEWS

2012-13 review coming soon.

WHAT HE SAID

I want to put my full heart and soul into Aston Villa. I want to give Villa everything I have.

WHAT OTHERS SAID

Brad Guzan: Shay is a true professional. Working with him in the week is terrific. It's always tough because every player wants a place in the team. It's even worse for goalkeepers because there's only one spot. But Shay has been supportive.

Ciaran Clark: Throughout his career he has been brilliant. I remember when I was a lot younger being at home watching the games when I wasn't a professional and he has always been top class.

MINI BIOGRAPHY

Shay Given joined Villa from Manchester City in July 2011.

Given made his debut for the club in a pre-season encounter with Walsall later that month, playing the first half and keeping a clean sheet in that opening 45 minutes.

The Republic of Ireland stopper then went on to keep another clean sheet in the 2011 Barclays Asia Trophy clash against Blackburn Rovers in Hong Kong, in his second consecutive appearance for the club.

Another shutout followed in his debut Barclays Premier League game for Villa against Fulham.

His first season in claret and blue was unfortunately halted in December, as a torn hamstring left him out of the team until January.

It was the job of Brad Guzan to deputise for the injured stopper, who produced a number of fine performances for Villa in his absence.

Given then returned to produce several inspired performances, including man of the match style stopper displays against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at Anfield and West Bromwich Albion in a 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns.

In fact, Given's performances were so inspired, that the Latin Lions Supporters Club even gave him their player of the season award for the 2011-12 season.

Given began his international career in 1996 when loan moves to Swindon and Sunderland caught the eye of the then Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

Since then, Given has gone on to be the most capped Republic of Ireland player with 120 caps.

He also donates all of his international performance fees to charity.

Given kicked off his professional career at Celtic in 1994 and also went on to sign for Blackburn in the same year.

He was then loaned out to Swindon and Sunderland in 1996 after making no appearances for the Lancashire club.

Given then went on to sign for Newcastle in 1997, where he made just under 350 league appearances for the club across 12 years.

In 2009, Given left Newcastle for Manchester City.

He spent two years at the club, making 50 league appearances.

INTERESTING FACT

Shay Given and his wife Jane Given are the founders of the charity Fashion Kicks.