New Aston Villa signing Shay Given has assured fans his confidence has not been dented by a season on the sidelines at Manchester City.
But the Republic of Ireland international, who signed for Villa for a fee of around £3.5million after falling behind Joe Hart in the Eastlands pecking order, has admitted he needs to build up his match-sharpness ahead of his team's first game against Fulham.
"I think my confidence is okay because the Ireland games kept me going," he said.
"You do get a little bit rusty because you're not playing so many games, but I'm excited to be getting back and getting match-sharp again. My two young kids kept me busy.
"It's about not losing the confidence in your own ability."
The 35-year-old, who was speaking at Aston Villa's kit launch with Genting's casinos, added that the idea of returning to first-team action has reinvigorated his appetite for the game.
He said: "The biggest thing missing was the buzz of matchday and playing, so I'm just really excited about getting going again.
"It was frustrating, knowing you're training with no chance of playing, but the manager made a decision and you've got to respect that."
Source: PA
