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Keeper issues plea over Benjamin Siegrist

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Shay Given believes promising Aston Villa goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist would benefit from a spell out on loan to enhance his development.

Shay Given believes promising Aston Villa goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist would benefit from a spell out on loan to enhance his development.

Siegrist has yet to feature for Villa's first team and is quite a way behind Given and American Brad Guzan in the pecking order along with veteran Andy Marshall.

The 20-year-old was part of Switzerland's Olympics squad but failed to make a Games appearance.

Given believes he is at the stage where he would benefit from a temporary switch to continue his development.

"Probably the next step for Benji, maybe this season, is going on loan somewhere," explained the Ireland international.

"I went on loan when I was 18 I think and made my debut for Ireland when I was 19, so he's getting to that age now where he probably needs to look at getting the experience of playing games and that will help to improve him.

"You've got to have belief in your own ability, but playing in front of crowds and having that pressure on you lets you know whether you can perform when there's points at stake, either at a Championship club or a League One team or something like that."

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