Source: SKY_Sports
Given unmoved by friendly form
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Goalkeeper Shay Given insists that Manchester City's mixed pre-season form provides little cause for concern.[LNB] The big-spending Blues have so far failed to live up to their high expectations this summer, winning one and losing two of their three games in South Africa. [LNB]City then needed a late equaliser by Martin Petrov to claim a 1-1 draw at Barnsley on Saturday but Given is optimistic they will hit the ground running when they visit Blackburn on the opening day of the Premier League season on 15th August.[LNB]The Republic of Ireland international even drew parallels with when he was at Blackburn for their title-winning campaign of 1994-95.[LNB]"I was at Blackburn as a player and I don't think they won a game pre-season the year they went on to win the Premier League," he told the club's official website.[LNB]Firing"Pre-season is all about getting players games. In the back of everyone's mind is Blackburn in a couple of weeks and hopefully we will have everyone fit and firing then."[LNB]City's attacking stars had little to show for their efforts at Barnsley but Given expects it to be just a matter of time before they demonstrate their talent for the Blues.[LNB]"We had a number of chances on Saturday and it is just about sharpening ourselves up," Given added.[LNB]"We had a good few chances but their keeper made a couple of good saves and we missed a few but we are coming together nicely.[LNB]"The big thing at Barnsley was getting the fitness levels up and the sharpness in front of goal will come. We will be better for that game.[LNB]Exciting quality"There is some exciting quality on the pitch in front of me and I am sure it will be an exciting season. We have some fantastic players in City shirts."[LNB]City's pre-season preparations continue with a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers on Wednesday before hosting their Old Firm rivals Celtic on Saturday in their final friendly before the big kick-off. [LNB]"I should get a tasty reception on Wednesday night I imagine, being an ex-Celtic goalkeeper and a Republic of Ireland international," he laughed.[LNB]"These next two matches will be good games for us. I supported Celtic as a kid growing up so that will be a special game."[LNB]
