Mancini hopes to keep Given at City

Roberto Mancini will fight to keep Shay Given at Manchester City despite handing Joe Hart the number one jersey in today's Barclays Premier League opener at Tottenham.

Hart fully justified his selection at White Hart Lane this afternoon as big-spending City somehow survived a first-half onslaught to head back to the north west with a goalless draw.

But that will be no consolation to Republic of Ireland star Given, who revealed last week he would consider quitting the club if he lost his place in goal.

New England number one Hart made a similar threat, meaning City boss Mancini is under real pressure to let one of his internationals leave.

The Italian refused to reveal what he would do were a rival club to bid for Given before the transfer window closes.

‘I hope it doesn't arrive. I hope that Shay can stay here with us,’ said the Italian, who confirmed Hart would be his number one ‘for now’.

‘We have time, another 20 days, until the end of the market.

‘I respect every decision but I hope that Shay stays here.’
He added: ‘At this moment, Joe plays.

‘Because we have four competitions, we need Shay.

‘I'm sorry for one goalkeeper but today I chose Joe and I'm very happy to have Shay Given.

‘I spoke to him. He's a big name, he's a big goalkeeper, he respects my decision.’

The keeper controversy perhaps prevented Mancini from giving Hart due credit for what was a world-class performance today.

The 23-year-old produced a string of wonder-saves from Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto to keep Spurs at bay as his multi-million-pound team-mates went AWOL.