SHAY GIVEN IS set to keep his place as Stoke’s first-choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future after England international Jack Butland’s injury setback.
The 23-year-old, who was signed by the club in 2013 but took over as number one after Asmir Begovic left in 2015, starred for the Potters last term before he picked up an ankle injury while playing for his country in March.
He seemed set to make his return for Stoke’s Premier League opener against Middlesbrough but damaged the ankle again in the build-up to the fixture.
He’s been unable to shake it off, despite some rest and rehab and now Butland has confirmed that he’ll require an operation on Monday to resolve the issue.
Reports suggest he may be out for as long as two months.
He took to Twitter to make a statement this morning:
Given has started in each of Stoke’s four games so far this season but is still waiting for his first top-flight win and clean-sheet of the campaign with the team having leaked four goals against Manchester City while there was 1-0 loss to Everton and a 1-1 draw with ‘Boro.
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RIP Cesar. Legend of a man
Hail Hail.
Legend.
What a career and a great Celtic man until the end. Hail Caesar.
My da’s in tears. He knew billy personally it’s the first time I’ve seen him cry.
Tragic news. Death of a Celtic legend. There’s only one King Billy and that’s McNeill. RIP Big Man,
Legend, God rest his soul.
A true legend and an absolute gentleman, RIP BILLY
Made history with the Lisbon Lions and guided Celtic to league and cup double on their centenary year in 1988 as their manager. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Rest in peace Mr McNeill.
A great man first and foremost. Very sad news.
A real, proper Celtic man.
He Captained Celtic to European Cup glory with a team of Eleven players born within Glasgow itself.. A feat that is so special and will never be repeated again.. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back and he was such a lovely Man. Took the time out for a chat and a few photos.. God bless him and may he rest in peace..
What a legend and a lovely engaging man.
Had the pleasure of chatting to him some years back in Glasgow Airport.
Thanks for all those memories.
Celtic Abù
Lisbon lion , Celtic legend . May he rest in peace ,
true hero
He was completely respected, even by Rangers. Says a lot.
What a man what a legend RIP billy. HAIL HAIL
Rest in Paradise Billy McNeill, heroes are remembered but legends never die, a true lion.
Another great footballer leaves the field..not like the dont touch me footballers we have now..
Ledgend..RIP..
RIP
Met the great man twice one in the Tara Towers hotel at the Dublin no1 dinner dance around the late 80s and then in Seville with my son in 2003.
RIP to a great legend. Hail hail.
R.i.p
Hail Cesar, has the pleasure of dinner and drinks with him and wee Bertie. Sad day for all Celts
Greatest performance and achievement and no luck about it in a European Cup Final from a TEAM from these Isles led by A LEGEND.