It's a Given...

[Gerry_A_Trick]

Unless mignelot gets an injury. Then you'll be bothered.

Maybe, but if it's a choice of Given or Jones, it'd be pretty much the same probably. And we could always get a loan deal if it was for a long period of time anyway. I doubt it'll happen anyway, the likelihood of keepers getting injured is fairly low.

 

[Brizzle]

Main benefit I see would be Given helping Mignolet in the training ground with commanding his area but doubt that is in BR's thoughts. Maybe there is something happening with Brad that we don't know about.

 

[Ossi]

Main benefit I see would be Given helping Mignolet in the training ground with commanding his area but doubt that is in BR's thoughts. Maybe there is something happening with Brad that we don't know about.

Perhaps they have noticed that Brad is shit? But that we know of course.

 

[King Binny]

[article=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-no-inquiries-shay-5819739]Aston Villa have yet to receive an enquiry about Shay Given ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, despite Liverpool reportedly targeting the veteran as an understudy for Simon Mignolet.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper was told he could find a new club when he returned for pre-season training in July after losing his Premier League No.1 spot to Brad Guzan a year ago.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke warmly when quizzed about the former Ireland international on Friday, without specifically confirming his interest, and wants experienced back-up to cover Mignolet and challenge current deputy Brad Jones.

But Villa have not heard from the Reds or any other club about Given, who is among Villa’s highest earners on £65,000 per week and still has two years left on his deal.

At this stage it seems as if a move to Merseyside is unlikely for the former Manchester City favourite, especially as he is keen to play first-team football, and his financial package would be substantial for a substitute stopper.

It is also thought Liverpool would be interested in a loan, while Villa prefer to get his wages off their payroll permanently as Paul Lambert builds his squad around younger players.

However, with the transfer deadline now just days away, the claret and blues would be open to offers for a man who has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent keepers.

Jed Steer kept a clean sheet on his competitive Villa debut in the 3-0 Capital One Cup victory over Rotherham in midweek having been recruited to replace Given as cover for Guzan.

A tribunal to decide how much the claret and blues will have to pay Premier League rivals Norwich City to compensate them for the loss of 20-year-old Steer is expected to be held soon.

Lambert was happy with Steer’s contribution on Wednesday evening, saying: “I was pleased with him.

“It shows that he’s more than capable of handling things and I’m delighted for him.

“I don’t think he’ll get a better role model than Brad Guzan to work alongside.

“I made the choice to play Jed just to give Brad a break. He’s been excellent for us. But I know Jed can handle it.”[/article]

 

[mark1975]

According to today's Echo, he's NOT a replacement for Jones, but a 3rd choice keeper, rumours of him coming in as a back up player/coach basis.

 

[gkmacca]

Sounds like Binny was right. That's quite an interesting idea - Achterberg never looks like he's a particularly sophisticated coach.

 

[mark1975]

Sounds like Binny was right. That's quite an interesting idea - Achterberg never looks like he's a particularly sophisticated coach.

I should probably clarify, the Echo never said the last bit, but yeah that seems to be the rumour doing the rounds...