SHAY Given has warned Brad Guzan he wants the Villa goalkeeper shirt back after returning to full training following a month-long injury lay-off.

But the experienced No.1 admits he faces a tough battle to reclaim his place from his understudy following Guzan’s impressive form.

Given has not played since being taken off on a stretcher after tearing his hamstring during the Villa Park defeat to Manchester United in early December.

Guzan has proved to be a more-than-able deputy in the past six league games and his latest contribution was an FA Cup penalty save at Bristol Rovers.

But manager Alex McLeish faces a dilemma whether to stick with the American back-up or recall Given for Saturday’s Villa Park clash against Everton.

“I don’t know what the manager’s thoughts are, whether I will be in the squad to face Everton or not, but I want to try and get back in as soon as I can and hopefully it will happen on Saturday,” said Given.

“Every player has to fight for his place, however, and Brad has done a great job in my absence.

“The team have played really well also and I’m delighted for the team and I am for Brad because we’ve had some fantastic results over the past few weeks.

“This is the longest period of games that Brad has had since he’s been here and he’s done very well. I don’t think he’s put a foot wrong.

“It’s difficult to be a No.2 and to step up to the plate but he’s done that. He hasn’t looked at all out of place in the Premier League or in the FA Cup.”

Given had been a Premier League ever-present for Villa this season before his injury and the 35-year-old wants to make up for lost time.

“For me, it’s been a frustrating time not to have been playing over the past couple of weeks,” he said.