Given ready for return

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given could play for the first time since April when Roberto Mancini’s men take on Club America in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The Republic of Ireland stalwart was injured in City’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium towards the end of last season. A dislocated shoulder ruled him out for the remainder of 2009/10, but he has been in rehab all the time and it has been suggested that he will now be given a start in the latest game in City’s thus far disappointing pre-season tour.

The 34-year-old Irishman’s place for the new season is under threat with England goalkeeper Joe Hart part of the City squad again after last year’s excellent season at Birmingham City.

Given – who on Tuesday was named in Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad for the upcoming friendly against Argentina - is hoping to try and ensure he is still number one, and wants a game in either Thursday’s Atlanta encounter or Saturday's clash with Rafael Benitez’s Inter Milan.

"I have not spoken to the manager yet but I am hoping to play a part in the game against Club America and if not on Thursday then certainly at the weekend," he told the club's official website.

"I have pushed myself hard but not harder than I have any other time I have been injured.

"All you ever want to do as a player is play. It is no different than being a kid and being desperate to get out on the pitch or the street to kick a ball about. Being injured is incredibly frustrating.

"I feel sharp and full of optimism for the season ahead and can't wait to get into a game situation."

Summer signing Yaya Toure and England World Cup pair Shaun Wright-Phillips and Gareth Barry are also expected to play in Atlanta.