Championship side hopeful on Irishman’s future.
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Middlesbrough are hoping to keep a hold of on-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given for the remainder of the season, something that the player himself has expressed a desire to see too, Sky Sports reports.
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The 37-year-old has been surplus to requirements at Villa Park since being ousted by United States international Brad Guzan at the beginning of last season, and the club’s capture of Ged Steer from Norwich over the summer only confirmed that his days in the second city were numbered.
He is due to return to his parent club after Middlesbrough’s New Years Day clash with Bolton Wanderers, though the northeast club are hopeful of being able to extend the deal to the end of the season in a bid to help their promotion push.
Manager Aitor Karanka told the club’s official website: “Everybody is clear – I want to keep him, he wants to stay and the club is working for Shay to stay here.
“We are working hard because everyone knows how important Shay is for us, not just now we are winning games, but he’s also important in the changing room. He transmits a lot of experience throughout the defence.”
Asked if he was confident of reaching an agreement, Karanka said: “I hope so because when I want it and Shay wants and everyone wants it, I hope it will be easy.
“The most important thing is Shay is happy here and playing and we hope he can stay here for the rest of the season.”
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