The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international kept a clean sheet on his competitive Villa debut at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Given, who joined from Manchester City for £3.5million in the summer, had not played in the top-flight for 16 months but was quickly back in the old routine. "It was nice just to be back playing, to be honest," Given told the Birmingham Mail. "In the run-up to the game, there was the excitement of the Premier League starting again, and for me personally, knowing I was going to be playing was pretty special. "So it's great to be back and it's nice to start with a clean sheet with my new team. "But it's not just about me - I think the whole team defended really well and got some great blocks in front of me." Given is expected to shake off a slight groin strain ahead of Saturday's visit of Blackburn. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Mail claims Villa's enquiry last month about the possibility of taking Adam Johnson or old-boy James Milner on loan this season was turned down by Manchester City.
