Shay Given has expressed his frustration at being made to sit on the Aston Villa bench in recent weeks.

The veteran goalkeeper has not featured in the Premier League since Villa suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Everton in late August.

Despite admitting that he is disappointed to have fallen behind Brad Guzan in Paul Lambert's mind, the Irishman have vowed to continue to battle hard to regain his place in the starting lineup.

"Frustration can sometimes boil over if you're not playing, but for me it's important that I keep my head down and work hard every day," Given told the Express & Star.

"I am gutted that I am not playing in the team, that's natural, and hopefully if I work hard I'll get back in the side. [Lambert] is not scared to leave people out, including me."

Given joined Villa from Manchester City in the summer of 2011.

Written by
Liam Apicella