Shay Given has been given the green light to step up his rehab work as he looks to be ready for the start of the new Premier League season following a dislocated shoulder (Man City 9/2 – 2010/11 Premier League Outright).
The Manchester City star’s recovery from surgery has gone to plan and he is currently away with his team-mates on their pre-season tour of the USA.
Given’s place in the City XI next term was thought to be under threat following the emergence of Joe Hart, who caught the eye last term on loan at Birmingham City.
But the former Newcastle stalwart insists he has no intention of fading away from the first-team picture as he looks to give Blues boss Roberto Mancini a massive selection headache.
Given told the Daily Mirror: “I saw the specialist last week, he was delighted with it and he told me to kick on with the rehab work.
“If it keeps progressing the way it is then I’m hoping to be playing before we leave America.
“By the second last game or the last game I should be in with a shout of playing and I’m definitely looking to be ready for the start of the new season.”
City kick off the new Premier League season with a trip to Tottenham while Given will also hope to be involved when the Republic of Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 qualification campaign away against Armenia on September 3.
Prior to the new season, Giovanni Trapattoni’s men take on Argentina in a friendly game on August 11 to mark the opening of the new Aviva Stadium which used to be known as Lansdowne Road prior to its redevelopment.
Trapattoni will be determined to make sure his side gives qualifying for Euro 2012 their best shot following their World Cup 2010 play-off heartbreak against France thanks to Thierry Henry’s infamous handball (Ireland 80/1 – Euro 2012 Outright).
But one player who will not be on board is injury-plagued West Brom midfielder Steven Reid who has retired from international football.
Reid said: “I wish the squad every success for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers and thank the players, the backroom team and the management for their help, support and friendship over the past nine years.
“I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the Irish fans for their support. They always got behind me and it was an honour to represent them.”
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