Villa's Capital One Cup run redemption for Shay Given

Shay Given today admitted Aston Villa's run to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup has helped to keep him focused after he opened his heart on a season of frustration.

The experienced goalkeeper was dropped by manager Paul Lambert after Villa's opening two games of the season and been unable to win his place back, as American Brad Guzan has impressed between the sticks.

But Lambert's policy of playing his second-choice goalkeeper in cup competitions looks set to continue this evening.

Given is due to get the nod in the first leg against Bradford City at Valley Parade, having started against Ipswich in the FA Cup last weekend.

He said: "I'm not used to the position but these cup games have been important. Had we been knocked out in the first round of the League Cup, I might not have been so happy.

"These little games coming every now and then have really kept me working hard. But there is no substitute for playing. I can't stand here and talk about it all night and say I'm quite happy to sit on the bench because I'm not.

"Of course, you miss the buzz of playing games. I want to play football, but it's the manager's choice and I've just got to try and impress him every time I get a chance.

"I haven't really looked too much long term at the minute. We'll see what happens over the next few weeks. I don't really know. I'm looking forward to tonight.

"But I'm really happy to be here. That's why I joined the club in the first place and one step away from a Wembley final, it will be great if we can get there."

It has been a difficult period of adjustment for Given, 36, who was an ever-present under former manager Alex McLeish having made the £3.5million switch from Manchester City in July 2011.

And, despite being dropped by Lambert after just two games in this campaign, the veteran goalkeeper insisted there has been no tension.

Given said: "He has been really good on that front. He has been supportive, had me in the office a couple of times and there are no complaints on that front.

"The manager said 'keep your head down, keep working hard and see what happens.' Sometimes you sulk about it and have bad days like all people do but, on the whole, it's difficult to keep going sometimes.

"It is the manager who picks the team and for me, when I get the chance, it's important I remind the manager that there is still plenty of life left in me and still plenty of years left ahead of me."

Given has received plenty of support from Villa's 'goalkeeping family.'

He explained: "Of course, it's difficult when you don't play but we've got a very good goalkeeping coach in Terry Gennoe here.

"We work hard everyday, myself and Brad together, and we know as a group of three that we don't pick the team.

"It's a huge game against Bradford and it is something I've got a chance of playing in. It is something for me to work for in training.

"It's a little carrot dangling for me to keep working hard and keep pushing Brad to get back in the team."

Given began his professional career as a teenager with Glasgow Celtic having moved from hometown club Lifford Celtic.

But the Republic of Ireland international revealed that, had things been different, he might have actually started out at Bradford.

He said: "I had my first professional trial at Bradford City when I was 15, so it's good memories going back up there.

"It was the first team I ever went to when I left home."