So in spite of performing admirably in the game time he did get whilst on loan at Middlesbrough, doing more than well enough to keep promotion hopes alive until his departure, and picking up a few clean sheets on the way, Shay Given will again be left troubled and confused over his future, on his return to parent club Aston Villa. Ever since losing his place to Joe Hart (who has himself since struggled without any competition to really push him to play to his best, which ironically is how Joe performs best), Shay has been struggling with confidence and a drop in form causing coaches to see him as past his prime and so on, losing his place to America's Brad Guzan after moving to Aston Villa. And Shay is not the kind of guy that enjoys 'chewing the bench' as they say, being the competitor he is.
Struggles off the pitch and international exclusion has also affected things, but even though he is aging, he is aging well. I'm sure he'll be looking to push for a deal that will give him playing time and the chance to make a name for himself again, with the loan to 'Boro fueling the fire to get back in shape and on form. I think a Championship club would benefit from his services and as long as Shay is eager enough, would be able to carry them onwards and upwards in the short term, even if his 'stock' may have dropped as low as it has.
Struggles off the pitch and international exclusion has also affected things, but even though he is aging, he is aging well. I'm sure he'll be looking to push for a deal that will give him playing time and the chance to make a name for himself again, with the loan to 'Boro fueling the fire to get back in shape and on form. I think a Championship club would benefit from his services and as long as Shay is eager enough, would be able to carry them onwards and upwards in the short term, even if his 'stock' may have dropped as low as it has.
