Aston Villa have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given from Manchester City. The 35-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Villa Park after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. New Villa boss Alex McLeish targeted the former Newcastle man after Brad Friedel moved to Tottenham. Given told the club’s website: “Aston Villa is a huge club and I’m really excited to be joining. It’s a new challenge and I’m eager to embrace it.”
Given had been on the margins at Eastlands after City manager Roberto Mancini made England international Joe Hart his first choice. The Irish international will make his Villa debut in a friendly against Walsall on Thursday. He is McLeish’s first signing since taking over at Villa Park and the former Birmingham manager believes Given will have a major impact at the club. “Shay has come here with something of a point to prove and that won’t do him any harm at all,” McLeish said. “Everybody who has watched him perform over many years in the Premier League will know his pedigree so we believe we have secured the services of one of the best goalkeepers in the business.” – BBC
