Given, who is set to start Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final against Bradford, has lost his first-team spot to Brad Guzan this season with the cup competitions offering the former Republic of Ireland man the chance of starting games. The 36-year-old admits he is not happy at playing second fiddle to Guzan, but insists he has no problem with Villa boss Paul Lambert's decision to drop him.
"It's difficult when you don't play," said Given. "It is the manager who picks the team and for me, when I get the chance, it's important I remind the manager that there is still plenty of life left in me and still plenty of years left ahead of me.
"I'm not used to this position but these cup games have been important. Had we been knocked out in the first round of the League Cup, I might not have been so happy. Sometimes you sulk about it and have bad days like all people do.
"I can't say I'm quite happy to sit on the bench because I'm not. I want to play football, but it's the manager's choice and I've just got to try and impress him every time I get a chance.
"But Wembley is touching distance away so hopefully there are quite a few games coming up and hopefully I'll play my part."
Source: team_talk
