Cup carrot helps Given cope with frustration

Shay Given admits Aston Villa’s cup success has helped him cope with the frustration of being number two goalkeeper this season.

Given lost his place to Brad Guzan in August and the American has played in all of Villa’s Premier League matches for the past five months.

Former Republic of Ireland international Given concedes it would have been difficult to keep going without the compensation of being involved in the Capital One Cup and FA Cup matches.