Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given transferred from Manchester City to Aston Villa on Monday.
Given moved to Mark Hughes's City in 2009 with much fanfare after a successful dozen years with Newcastle United. Robert Mancini, the new manager signed at the end of 2009, described him as one of the best five goalkeepers in the world. However, following a spell out from injury, Given lost his place to young England goalie Joe Hart.
The Irishman has been given a five-year contract by Villa manager Alex McLeish and could make his debut for his new club in a friendly against Walsall tomorrow evening.
The 35-year-old Donegal man said: ''Everyone knows that I didn't play enough football last season, so I'm really pleased that I will be able to put that right here at Villa Park. Hopefully, this move will get me back to where I was before in the Premier League, which is where every player wants to be playing.''
Given, the Republic's most capped player ever, is Villa manager McLeish's first signing since he joined the club from Birmingham City at the end of last season.
