Given eyeing first-team return

16 October 2012 13:18
Shay Given is disappointed at losing his place in Aston Villa's team, but vowed not to get frustrated as he bids to regain the number one spot.

The 36-year-old was dropped by new Villa boss Paul Lambert after the 3-1 defeat by Everton in August and has made only one appearance since, in the Capital One Cup, with Brad Guzan preferred in the Premier League. Given told talkSPORT: "Frustration can sometimes boil over when you're not playing, but for me it's important that I keep my head down and work hard and please God my chance comes round again.

"I am gutted that I am not playing in the team, that's natural, and hopefully if I work hard I'll get back in the side."

Given is not the only Villa player to have to make do with a place on the bench recently, with striker Darren Bent only a substitute in the last two league games. Given added:

"He's frustrated a little bit at the minute of course but we've got (Christian) Benteke, who's a very powerful young forward, and he's done very, very well. It's competition for places and that's what we need."

Source: team_talk