Shay Given urges fans not to protest

Shay Given today urged fans planning on protesting against Alex McLeish before the game against Manchester City on Sunday to think twice.

A group of supporters unhappy with the Scot's management of the club issued a statement via message boards and Twitter earlier in the week which encouraged fellow fans to demonstrate against the Villa boss.

The 35-year-old keeper claimed that Villa's players were just as culpable for their current run of performances which has seen them fail to win at home since November 5 and told his team-mates to stand up and be counted against City on Sunday.

"Protesting does not help the club or the players," said Given.

"People have to realise that Alex McLeish is a great manager and is passionate about doing well for Villa. It's always easy to blame the manager but players have to stand up and be counted, look themselves in the mirror and put in good performances.

"Maybe some of them are feeling the pressure when playing at home but you've got step up, it's a big club.

"You've got to take that pressure on your shoulders and want to play for the club and show the fans that you're good enough to play in that shirt.

"It's too easy to blame the manager, he doesn't cross the white line and as players we have to take responsibility."

McLeish will consider a defensive reshuffle for the visit of Roberto Mancini's side with Eric Lichaj and Nathan Baker both having impressed for the reserves during the week with left-back Stephen Warnock the most vulnerable.

"It is difficult to chop and change the team every week but I've got food for thought with one or two players getting fit again," said the Villa boss.

"Certainly I think we can defend better and I have tried to address that this week on the training ground.

"We haven't collected the three points at Villa Park for a while now. We have yet to take a point let alone beat any of the top six on our own patch this season so it is up to the players to go out there and change that statistic.

"There's a long spell after Manchester City until the next home game so we need to do absolutely everything in our power to win it and send the fans home happy."