Manchester City's Shay Given Willing To Drop Into The Championship For Regular Football

Mancini ready to re-engage his rivalry with Notts County boss Paul Ince.
Manchester City's number two goalkeeper Shay Given has stressed that his desire to play football is at bursting point - and he is willing to drop down a tier to get regular games.

The 'keeper has received two offers from Championship sides wanting to take the Ireland international on loan until the end of the season, and Given has made ir clear that he would be ready to make such a move, if he was able to return to Eastlands at 24 hours notice if needed.

Joe Hart has taken the reins in goal for City this season and Given has madejust four appearences since August for the club.

He said: "I just want to play. I do not want to go for an entire season without playing and I am prepared to go to a Championship club and be on a 24-hour call-back.

"That would benefit me, by getting me match-sharp, and City, who would have an experienced, match-sharp goalkeeper to come in if Joe got injured."

However, a loan deal with such a clause to take effect would require Given to be at his new club for at least 28 days before he could return to City at 24 hours notice, and with Roberto Mancini's side having a massive six games to play in February, it is unlikely that such a move will be allowed by the club's board.

Meanwhile, City take on Notts County in an FA Cup fourth round tie on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies are managed by Paul Ince, a man with whom Mancini has history from their days in Italy.

Mancini said: "Roy Hodgson was the Inter manager and told Ince to stay close to me. I had the ball and saw him arriving very quickly and nutmegged him. It was incredible.
"Then he took me out. He wanted revenge and he got his revenge. But I will have the last word this time."