Shay Given keen on regaining Aston Villa starting berth

Shay Given: Aston Villa goalkeeper keen to regain his place in the starting line-up

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given is determined to win back his place in his side's starting line-up.

The 36-year-old was dropped by manager Paul Lambert following the Villans' 3-1 defeat by Everton in the Premier League in August, and has made just once competitive appearance since then.

Lambert has installed Brad Guzan as his first-choice goalkeeper, but Given is keen to regain his place between the posts.

"Frustration can sometimes boil over when you're not playing, but for me it's important that I keep my head down and work hard and please God my chance comes round again," said Given.

"I am gutted that I am not playing in the team, that's natural, and hopefully if I work hard I'll get back in the side."

Given added that striker Darren Bent too is "frustrated" at not starting the last two league matches for Villa.

"He's frustrated a little bit at the minute of course but we've got [Christian] Benteke, who's a very powerful young forward, and he's done very, very well," he said. "It's competition for places and that's what we need."