Given in line to end two-year wait for Premier League start

Former Republic of Ireland number one Shay Given has been put on alert to make his first Premier League appearance for two years when Aston Villa kick-off the season at Stoke City on August 16.

Villa boss Paul Lambert revealed Given is battling it out with Brad Guzan after the veteran Irishman was brought back in from two seasons in the cold at Villa Park.

Given has not made a Premier League appearance since the 3-1 defeat against Everton in August 2012, but with Jed Steer loaned to Doncaster Rovers he is now back fighting it out with Guzan to be the Villa number one.

Lambert said: “I have got two really, really top goalkeepers in Shay and Brad. They will be pushing each other and come the Stoke game I will select what I see as the strongest possible team.”

Given admits he is relishing being back in the first-team picture at Villa Park. “I want to be involved in the team if I can and to be pushing Brad to be playing in the first-team. I still feel very fit. People just want to play football and I want to be involved at a big club like Aston Villa and playing in the first-team again.

“Everything that has happened in the past goes out of the window. You pull on a jersey and you play for the badge on the front of the jersey. I still believe that I have a lot to offer. I know Brad is the number one at the moment but if he has an injury, or a suspension or a run of bad form then you never know what happens in football.

“I have got to be ready to take my chance if I get it and I do think I am working hard in training and working well and I am sure the manager sees that.”

Given, meanwhile, has admitted he has relished working with Roy Keane.

“It is great to have him here. He is a real leader and character and a great assistant for the manager as well. He is a manger himself in his own right and with the two of them at the helm it is great for the club.”