Shay Given: The real Ireland is back

Shay Given believes Villa have now seen "the real Stephen Ireland" and backed the midfielder to rediscover the form which made him a success at Manchester City.

The Villa keeper was a team-mate of Ireland's at Eastlands in a season where he scored 13 goals from midfield, was named the club's Player of the Year and celebrated goals by displaying his 'Superman' underwear.

And following the 25-year-old playmaker's man-of-the-match display in Villa's 1-1 draw against Everton, Given reckons Ireland is on the brink of a return to his spectacular best. "He was phenomenal at Manchester City. I think he was in team of the season and everything," said Given.

"The Villa fans haven't seen that enough but we know it is there and I have seen first hand how good a player he can be.

"I think he has had a frustrating time but the last few weeks you can see the real Stephen Ireland. He was the first name on the team sheet at City and we had a lot of big players then as well.

"He was a great player for us and hopefully we can get that out of him. I do believe in the last few weeks he seems a bit more positive about everything and more confident in his game, which can only be good for us."

Given was also pleased with his own performance against Everton on his return to the side after a hamstring injury, although he did feel for fellow keeper Brad Guzan, who was dropped despite an impressive run in the side.

"It is good to be back, I am not a very good patient. It has been a frustrating five weeks," said the 35-year-old Ireland international.

"I thank the medical team for getting me back out there again. Brad has done very well and he will be disappointed not to have played against Everton.

"It just shows we have strength in depth at the club. I think it was important for Brad to show, not just to the people at the club who know him, but to fans up and down the country, he is a very good goalkeeper.

"I think he has proved that over the last few weeks. It is down to the manager, he picks the team; there is nothing in my contract."