Shay Given

Shay Given is a goalkeeper of Aston Villa. He was born on 20 April 1976 in Lifford, Ireland.

In 1994 Shay penned his first contract with Blackburn after graduating from the academy of Celtic. The footballer’s start was not very memorable, because the coaching staff could not find a place in the main team for him. That is why Given continued to be a second-choice goalkeeper and gained experience only due to the trainings with the team.

At the beginning of 1996, Shay went on a six-month loan to Swindon Town. The head coach let the keeper on the field five times, which was apparently insignificant, but necessary practice for the footballer.

In the summer 1996, Given was sent on a season-long loan to Sunderland. The goalkeeper made 17 appearances, which was thrice better than his previous result. In 1997 the Irish player began his career in renowned Newcastle United. Shay was one of the pivots of the club, who performed between the posts of ‘The Magpies’ during 12 years and made 344 appearances as a first-choice goalkeeper.

In 2009 English side Manchester City secured the footballer’s services and provided him a place in the regular team. Given featured in 50 games of the new club during two years before the summer 2011, when he sealed a deal with Aston Villa. The keeper took part in 32 matches of ‘Villans’ during the 2011/2012 season and continues to perform for the club up till now. Despite his age and due to his experience, Shay firmly stands between the posts.

From 1996 till 2012, Given was capped 125 times for the Republic of Ireland national team.