Given travelled to Romania for the qualifier against minnows Timisoara tonight believing he would get the chance to prove why he should be No1 at Eastlands.
But he was amazed to discover that Joe Hart will again start in goal, leaving him fuming and considering asking for a loan to Arsenal or Fulham. The Gunners are close to signing Mark Schwarzer from Fulham, who would in turn need a new goalkeeper and Given would be open to moving to either.
A source close to Given said: “Shay is confused and torn over what to do. He only joined City 18 months ago and wanted to win things after 10 years at Newcastle. And he doesn’t see Mancini leaving Hart out now, ev en if he makes a mistake. Shay is watching the situation at Arsenal, while at Fulham, a loan might be something he would consider but he’s finding it really difficult to know whatto do. The last thing he wants to do is risk his place in the Ireland team, as he knows they have a great chance of qualifying for Euro 2012.”
Mancini added: “Joe Hart will play. I had a very diffi cult choice to make before our opening game at Spurs on Saturday. That is because I have two world-class keepers. It is difficult for one of them to sit on the bench. I respect Shay a lot. He is a good man and I want him to stay, but I also understand any decision he might make.”
City completed the signing of James Milner yesterday in a deal worth £26million, with Stephen Ireland moving to Aston Villa.
Ireland said: “I have plenty of personal ambitions. I want to get back to playing the way I can. I haven’t played 90 minutes in nearly eight or nine months, which is not normal for me.”
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
