Villa lose Given until New Year

Published: Monday, 5. December, 2011 in category Rep. of Ireland

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given will be sidelined for a month after suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United on Saturday.

Given: Hamstring blow

Scans on Monday showed the 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international had suffered a small tear in his left hamstring during the 1-0 home defeat against the Red Devils.

American Brad Guzan, who replaced Given seven minutes before the break on Saturday, will continue to deputise between the posts in this weekend's Premier League game at Bolton.

Villa manager Alex McLeish told the club's official website: "It is disappointing to lose Shay in such circumstances but, unfortunately, these things happen in football.

"We have to meet these challenges and we will. We have total faith in Brad who, as I said after the game against Manchester United on Saturday, can be proud of the way he stepped in when Shay had to come off.

"We will need within the football club for everybody to stick together and that strength of unity will help massively."

Meanwhile, Villa are awaiting results of a scan undergone by Jermaine Jenas, who was also carried off on a stretcher against United.

The on-loan Tottenham midfielder left the field with a serious-looking ankle injury after 64 minutes.

He posted on Twitter on Monday afternoon: "Thanx 2 u all 4 ur support Im obviously gutted but it happens in football I'll b back stronger, again thanx I'll keep u updated on progress!"