SHAY Given won’t be Aston Villa’s automatic No1 goalkeeper next season, new boss Paul Lambert has warned.
The former Celtic legend has resigned Brad Guzan who was initially released at the end of last season after spending four years at Villa Park.
However, it appears the 27-year-old will agree to a new deal with the Midlands club, to compete with Given for the goalkeeper spot, with Lambert hinting that it would ultimately hinge on who performed best in pre-season.
“It’s near. I know [Guzan] has always had that stigma of being the No.2 behind some really good goalkeepers,” Lambert said.
“But when you come back at the start of the season nobody knows what’s going to happen and it depends on whoever does well.”
Lifford man Shay made 34 appearances last season – American Guzan did make several good appearances for the Midlands club when Shay was injured.
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