Shay Given has publicly stated that he wants a move away from Aston Villa, declaring he still has plenty to offer at the highest level in professional football.
Shay Given still believes he has a huge amount to offer in a playing capacity, and isn’t ready to concentrate solely on coaching duties.
Given has endured a frustrating spell at Aston Villa, and has been unable to establish himself as the first-choice No.1.
Given had a very successful loan spell at Middlesbrough FC, and became a fans favourite during his short spell with the club.
Given believes he has to move away from Villa Park in order to get regular first-team football.
Given is also employed in a coaching capacity at the Villa Park club but is willingly to leave that in order to play regularly.
Given said, “If I am going to play, I have to move away from Villa Park.
“That’s something I have looked at, but it has to happen, I have been waiting for it to happen for two years now.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, I knew when I went there on loan that I was still able to play as I slotted straight back into things, despite having not played for a long time.
“I still want to play, I believe I still have a lot to offer as a player.
“I have only turned 38, but I see Mark Schwarzer playing in a Champions League semi-final at the age of 41, Brad Friedel is 43 and still playing, so I have a lot more to do before I think about coaching.
“I hope it can happen for me, I just need someone to have faith, to take a punt and bring me in, to get me playing again.