Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood promises to start Shay Given at Wembley

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has confirmed that Shay Given will start in goal in this Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool at Wembley.

The Republic of Ireland international rarely gets a game in the Premier League, with Brad Guzan standing in his way, but the shot-stopper has been the first on the teamsheet in the cup competitions this season.

"Shay plays, absolutely," Sherwood said in today's press conference. "He's done nothing wrong, Shay, he's a large part of the reason we're in this semi-final.

"The saves he made against Leicester were fantastic and at the right time. He trains fantastically well and he's pushing Brad all the way for that number one spot."

The other semi-final between holders Arsenal and Championship side Reading will take place on Saturday.