Given a real City slicker since move, says Dunne

MANCHESTER CITY skipper Richard Dunne has hailed Shay Given’s impact since his £6million (€6.4m) move to the club.

The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland defender has spent much of his international career to date playing in front of the goalkeeper, who is in line to win his 93rd senior cap against Bulgaria on Saturday.

However, having had the chance to work with the 32-year-old on a daily basis since his January move from Newcastle, he has been even more impressed.

Dunne said: “He has done really well since he has come in. I don’t think anyone has really been surprised — everyone knows how good he is.

“Obviously, he is a big loss for Newcastle — their fans and their players will know how good he was — and he has come in and just carried on.

“He is just doing the exact same things. Just the way he walks around and the confidence he gives off has been great for everyone.’’

Meanwhile, Bolton boss Gary Megson believes an enforced break will have allowed Andy O’Brien to regain his focus.

The former Republic of Ireland international was left out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at West Brom after enduing a torrid time against Fulham the previous week.

Two glaring errors in that contest saw the Trotters slip to a 3-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.

Megson decided that the centre-half should take a short rest from playing duties in order to put those mistakes to the back of his mind and concentrate on helping the club beat the drop.

“I gave Andy the week off just to clear his head and take a break mentally,’’ Megson explained.

“He’s a great lad who pushes himself to the absolute limit and it will be beneficial for him just to get away.

“Andy was one of our most consistent players last season and played a major part in keeping the club in the Premier League.

“But I’m sure he’ll be back stronger and hopefully the break will work for both him and ourselves.’’