UNSETTLED MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Shay Given has been urged to move away from Eastlands by former team-mate Steven Ireland.

Given was left on the bench again last night as his rival Joe Hart won more plaudits in the win over Liverpool last night.

“I would like to see Shay go,” revealed Ireland, “he needs to be playing every week.

The newly-signed Aston Villa midfielder continued, claiming that Given is “far too good to be left sitting on the bench. He is a brilliant person and the best goalkeeper I have ever played with. He deserves first team football.”

Ireland international goalkeeper Given has been the subject of much rumour regarding his proposed move away from Manchester, with Arsenal and Fulham among the clubs widely said to be interested.

Despite enjoying a fine 2009/10 season for club and country, Given has found himself playing reserve ‘keeper to Joe Hart at the City of Manchester Stadium this season.

City manager Roberto Mancini has been quick to get rid of other players who he deemed unnecessary this summer: including the aforementioned Steven Ireland and new Cardiff loanee Craig Bellamy.