Given blow for Villa

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given will be sidelined for a month after suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United on Saturday, the midlands club have confirmed.

Scans today showed the 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international had suffered a small tear in his left hamstring during the 1-0 home defeat against the Red Devils.

American Brad Guzan, who replaced Given seven minutes before the break on Saturday, will continue to deputise between the posts in this weekend’s Barclays Premier League game at Bolton.

Villa manager Alex McLeish told www.avfc.co.uk: “It is disappointing to lose Shay in such circumstances but, unfortunately, these things happen in football.

“We have to meet these challenges and we will. We have total faith in Brad who, as I said after the game against Manchester United on Saturday, can be proud of the way he stepped in when Shay had to come off.

“We will need within the football club for everybody to stick together and that strength of unity will help massively.”