Shay Given: Looking after number one

SHAY GIVEN is not prepared to stand idly by at Eastlands this year.

With both Ireland’s No 1 and England’s No 1-in-waiting Joe Hart now vying for the No 1 spot at Manchester City, Given sounds like he’s ready to give manager Roberto Mancini an ultimatum. Certainly, if the Donegal man is not in the starting line-up for the opening day fixture against Spurs on Saturday, he plans to be knocking on the gaffer’s door no later than Monday.

With kick-off in the new Premier League season so close, the uncertainty over his position is an unusual experience for the veteran ‘keeper.