Source: Daily_Mail
Shay Given backs Darren Bent to rediscover his goal touch at Aston Villa
Shay Given is backing Aston Villa's record signing Darren Bent to rediscover his goal touch sooner rather than later ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup clash with Bolton at Villa Park.[LNB]Bent has netted only once in six games this season and spurned two gilt-edged chances during Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Newcastle.[LNB]It is in contrast to last season when the England striker netted nine times in 16 games after his ?18 million move from Sunderland and he has also been hampered by a groin injury.[LNB] Mobbed: Darren Bent is congratulated by team-mates after scoring his only goal of the season against Blackburn in August[LNB]Given said: 'We got into the final third on numerous occasions against Newcastle but just didn't have the composure when we got there.[LNB]'People say that Darren can't buy a goal at the moment but it will come. We know the quality he has.[LNB]'He's just got to keep believing in himself. Strikers sort of thrive on confidence.[LNB] Tough time: Bent has struggled to find his goal scoring touch this season[LNB]'If Darren can get a goal, I'm sure it will kick-start his season.'[LNB]Given is hoping a Villa win this evening will help them achieve the momentum needed to turn a series of draws into victories when they return to Premier League action.[LNB] Support: Shay Given believes Bent will get in amongst the goals soon[LNB]He said: 'It felt like we lost on Saturday but we are still unbeaten in the league and we will take the pluses from that as well into the cup game.[LNB]'We will take the Carling Cup seriously, for sure. It's one of our best chances of picking up a trophy.[LNB]'Bolton are always a tough side. We know what to expect from them. Owen Coyle has done a fantastic job there and they are a big strong team.[LNB]'But hopefully we can win the game and kick-start a few victories for the rest of the Premier League.'[LNB]Given is delighted to be back playing on a regular basis after a frustrating spell at Manchester City and is already a favourite with the Villa fans.[LNB] Fitness race: Defender Stephen Warnock is in a battle to be fit for Bolton[LNB]He said: 'I'm trying. It's a new set of fans to try and impress.[LNB]'I've always said I'll do most of my talking on the pitch and they can make their own mind up.'[LNB]In addition to Bent, Villa boss Alex McLeish will check on the fitness of defender Stephen Warnock (hip) and skipper Stiliyan Petrov (ankle) before finalising his side.[LNB] CARLING CUP LIVE: Follow all the action as it happens from the third roundWarnock, Bent and Petrov battling to be fit for Bolton Carling Cup showdownAston Villa 1 Newcastle 1: Boos ring out for McLeish as Bent keeps fluffing his lines All the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion [LNB]
