Aston Villa Given prepared to leave the club after negotiations with Lambert

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given revealed he is on his way out of Villa Park after Villa boss Paul Lambert said he is no longer considered an important first team player.

The 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has lost his first-team place to Brad Guzan, making just two Premier League appearances this season. Given is reportedly keen to leave the Villa Park in search of first-team football, though he still has three years remaining at his contract.

Given revealed Lambert openly told him it would be better for him to leave, as he deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park. Veteran goalkeeper said: “I had a meeting with [manager] Paul Lambert and we both agreed that I should be playing first-team football. And that’s not happening at Villa right now.”