Premier League - Managers: Hughes praises Given

PA Sport - Mon, 02 Nov 09:18:00 2009

Mark Hughes praised goalkeeper Shay Given who ensured the Manchester City manager's 46th birthday was not a complete damp squib as his heroics earned a point at Birmingham.

2008-2009 Manchester City Shay Given - 0

Given produced a string of fine saves during the goalless draw including a second-half penalty save to deny Birmingham midfielder James McFadden after skipper Nigel De Jong had handled.

Hughes said: "Given played very well. We are pleased that he did. He saved a penalty and kept us in the game and allowed us to take something out of the game."

He added: "I gave him a glowing tribute leading into the game. I don't think he needed it, and it didn't inspire his performance against Birmingham, because he does that very capably on his own.

"He is an outstanding goalkeeper and has been for the majority of his career.

"It is not just a case of him coming to Manchester City and producing. He has done it through his career and it is a credit to him. We are very pleased that he is with us."

Hughes' side point lifted them into fourth place above Tottenham on goal difference, while they shared the spoils for the fourth successive league game.

But the former Wales manager is remaining upbeat.

He said: "Three of the four draws have been away. We are picking points up away. That's a positive from our capability last season.

"We made a flying start and people expected us to win every game. That is not going to happen this year. We've seen right through the Premier League that everyone is dropping points and I am sure that will continue. We are not immune from that."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish felt his side deserved to take all three points from the game.

McLeish said: "We are a little bit disappointed not to get the three points. I thought it was a very powerful performance by the players and they gave everything they had.

"Just the final touch was the only thing that let us down but, other than that, how can I fault any of the performances of these players.

"I liked the performance against Sunderland last week and I've now seen two games in a row of great consistency and quality and they've got to take that forward

PA Sport

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  1. Seriously I don't see how it is possible for them­ to forget to not credit Given with a penalty save on­ fantasy football. That was the highlight of the match.­ It's like not giving a player points for a goal.

    From Bobby 1988, on Mon 2 Nov 11:24AM

  2. all those millions and apart from given...where is the­ style and flair?....always in the shade.....GGMU!

    From stuartxland, on Mon 2 Nov 11:08AM

  3. Now that someone from Yahoo realizes that Given made a­ penalty save, perhaps they should give him the points­ for it in the fantasy league!

    From Lisa, on Mon 2 Nov 10:54AM

  4. Not a Man City fan but Given is a class keeper.
    After­ all the millions spent by Man City lately,Given has­ without doubt been he best buy!!

    From lee.cooper21, on Mon 2 Nov 10:50AM

  5. i still cry like i did when given left newcastle

    From smithseasy, on Mon 2 Nov 9:56AM

  6. lol how much did ManC paid McFadden for that sux­ penalty?

    From Fahmi, on Mon 2 Nov 9:48AM

  7. Given is in my opinion the best keeper in the prem but­ lets be honest here, that penalty was TERRIBLE!!!! I­ reckon our lass could have saved it.....

    From Tony K, on Mon 2 Nov 9:35AM
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