The Irish international keeper made a string of superb saves to keep out Middlesbrough and secure a 1-0 win, City’s fourth consecutive home victory in the Barclays Premier League.
Given’s former Newcastle team mate Craig Bellamy chipped in with his second goal for the Blues, and back at the other end the stopper prevented Alfonso Alves from getting the visitors back into the game, and reflecting on his debut Given said:
“Well I didn’t score the goal, but I am delighted to have started with a victory and a clean sheet. It’s a very positive start so all in all I am pretty happy.
“There’s no right or wrong way to make a save, all you have got to do is keep the ball out of the net, that’s my job. I was a bit nervous, I was making a debut for the first time in nearly 12 years with new fans and team mates to impress. A clean sheet is a good way to get going, and three points as well is a real bonus.
“Making my debut felt a bit strange after so long at Newcastle, but I have played in big games before and been around the block a few times so to speak. That would always stand me in good stead so I am pleased that it went so well.”
Shay lined up behind a central defensive pairing of Vincent Kompany and Nedum Onuoha that he has 10 years in age on, and his experience comes out when he talks about how important it is for the defensive unit to communicate.
“We’re quite young at the back, so we need an experienced voice to help out. Sometimes a voice can be as important as a tackle or a block, you have to organise and demand things of the people in front of you.”
At 32 the keeper is in the prime of his career, but he’s not content to dwell on the good start to his City career, and he concludes, “You have to push yourself hard in training as well, I have not come here to take it easy. I am pushing myself even harder and hopefully that will help the team.
“Getting to know people, even down to nick-names and everything else, has been a big part of settling in. Everyone has made me feel really welcome so roll on next week!”
