Given on course for City return

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given could make his return from injury in Thursday's friendly against Club America. The 34-year-old has been absent from Roberto Mancini's side since dislocating his shoulder towards the end of last season. But the shot-stopper is now hoping to resume his role as number one for the Blues - either in Atlanta or in Saturday's clash with Inter Milan. "I have not spoken the manager yet but I am hoping to play a part in the game against Club America and if not tomorrow then certainly at the weekend," he told the club's official website."I have pushed myself hard but not harder than I have any other time I have been injured."All you ever want to do as a player is play. It is no different than being a kid and being desperate to get out on the pitch or the street to kick a ball about. Being injured is incredibly frustrating."I feel sharp and full of optimism for the season ahead and can't wait to get into a game situation."

Source: Team_Talk