Shay Given excited by Villa move

Goalkeeper Shay Given is itching to return to regular Premier League action after completing his move to Aston Villa from Manchester City.

The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international has joined for an undisclosed fee – believed to be in the region of £3.5million – and has put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

The Republic of Ireland international only made four competitive appearances for City last season after he was displaced as their number one by England goalkeeper Joe Hart, but is relishing the chance to prove he is still one of the best around.

Given said: "Everyone knows that I didn't play enough football last season, so I'm really pleased that I'll be able to put that right here.

"Hopefully, this move will get me back to where I was before in the Premier League, which is where every player wants to be playing.

"Villa is a huge football club and I'm really excited to be joining. I'm looking forward to training and playing with the players here.

"They're a good bunch of lads, very talented and I know several of them already which will help.

"Obviously, I'm also excited to be working with Alex McLeish and it's going to be a fresh start for everybody at the club this season. It's also a new challenge and one I'm eager to embrace.

"My aim is to impress the Villa supporters with my performances and I can't wait really to get started."

The former Newcastle No 1 will be officially unveiled at the launch of Villa's new home kit tonight and could make his debut in the pre-season friendly against Walsall at the Banks's Stadium on Thursday.