Given fills Villa coaching void

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has been temporarily promoted to Aston Villa’s coaching staff in a shake-up at the troubled Premier League club.

Villa have suspended assistant manager Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary Karsa “pending an internal investigation”.

The suspension of the pair, who followed boss Paul Lambert to Villa after working with him at both Norwich and Colchester, was confirmed in a statement issued by the Premier League club.

Former player Gordon Cowans and current reserve keeper Given have been temporarily promoted to assist Lambert.

Villa said in a statement: “The club can confirm that Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa have been suspended pending an internal investigation.”

The statement quoted Lambert as saying: “I’m delighted to have Gordon and Shay to assist me in preparing the team for Saturday which is what the whole group is focused on.”

The suspensions are not thought to be related to the team’s recent poor performances, but of a disciplinary nature.

It comes at a difficult time for the club, who have lost four matches on the bounce and are still threatened by relegation.

Given said: “As players, it’s important that each and every one of us take responsibility right now and I’m delighted to play my part in helping the manager and the team go and try to win on Saturday.”