Given signed for Villa in the summer after finding himself behind Joe Hart in the pecking order at Manchester City. The 35-year-old's form for the Villans so far has been superb, and he says he never doubted he could still do it at Premier League level during his time on City's bench. "I've never doubted myself," he said. "It was all about one man's opinion. I feel I'm on top of my game and playing as well as ever. "They say keepers get better with age, and hopefully that happens with me." Given pulled a string of top class save to earn Villa a point against Newcastle on Saturday. His former club were based at the hotel he currently resides in while he looks for a permanent basis, and Alan Pardew joked they should have used sinister means to stop Given from taking to the field. "Ironically, an iconic player at Newcastle stopped us winning the game," said Pardew. "He was in our hotel. We tried to slip something into his drink but without any success. He's a massive player for Villa and was a great signing." Given added: "It was nice to see some of the staff again. "I had 12 great years there and I've got some great memories and great friends." Gabriel Agbonlahor had given Villa an early lead in the game before Leon Best scored from close range three minutes before the hour mark.
