Shay Given has extended his loan stay at Middlesbrough, meaning he will now remain at the Championship side until the end of February.
The former Republic of Ireland international joined the Riverside Stadium club a month ago, after losing his place in the Aston Villa side to Brad Guzan. Given has been a resounding success on Teesside, keeping four clean sheets in seven matches.
This has played a significant part in Boro recording their best sequence of results since November 2012, so it was no surprise that coach Aitor Karanka was keen to retain the goalkeeper and extend his loan stay beyond the turn of the calendar year.
And after confirming that the 37-year-old would now remain at Middlesbrough until 28 February, meaning he will likely feature in another nine league games, chief executive Neil Bausor said: “We are extremely delighted to secure the extension of Shay’s loan.”
Given, the most capped player for Ireland with 125 appearances, earned a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the country during a 12-year stint at Newcastle United. He joined Manchester City in January 2009, but moved on to Villa in the summer of 2011 when he lost his place in the Etihad Stadium goal to England international Joe Hart.
