Cup run has kept me going - Given

Shay Given admits Aston Villa's cup success has helped him cope with the frustration of being number two goalkeeper this season.

Given lost his place to Brad Guzan in August and the American has played in all of Villa's Barclays Premier League matches for the past five months. Former Manchester City player Given concedes it would have been difficult to keep going without the compensation of being involved in the Capital One Cup and FA Cup matches.

The stopper, who hopes to play against Bradford in the Capital One Cup semi-final, said: "It is a tough one for the manager to pick one of us. He has gone with Brad this season and it is has been difficult for me at times. I can't stand here and say I'm quite happy to sit on the bench, because I'm not."

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