Shay Staydium Manchester

The brilliant Shay Given has underlined his commitment to City to Chris Bailey, the City website main man. Great news for Planet Blue...

Much as this has been the best start to a City season since the 60's, no Blue is under any illusion that if wasn't for the Irishman, that would most certainly not be the case.

Our many newfound critics have gleefully pointed at that fact but all conquering sides have always had great goalkeepers who have defied logic with amazing saves and helped grind out results.

Schmeichel, Clemence and Shilton spring to mind. Oh, go on then, Paddy Roach.

As Seamus prepares for The Republic of Ireland's do or die World Cup clash with France in Paris, he talked of City, his new found love and the squad's aims.

Leading by example as ever, it's refreshing to hear a City player not talking about himself to a toe curling degree:

'I'd love to finish my career here. I haven't been here long, but I already feel at home and love the club. I grew up a Celtic supporter and they have a big place in my heart, but I really hope I can finish my career here. You can never say never, but I'd like to think I will.'

Shay weighed up the squad's aspirations:

'We'd like to win something. If it doesn't happen this season, it'll happen next...we're in the Carling Cup quarter-finals, we've got the FA Cup to come and we're up near the top of the league. If we win our game in hand we'll only be a couple of points behind United. We need to keep going and winning away games, which will be crucial.'

This is what we want to hear. In a call to arms he then turned to the squad's backing:

'...we have fantastic owners, passionate supporters and a number of excellent players. We've got a lot of potential but we've got to keep working hard. City are a great club with a great history. It's true they've had some excellent keepers, so it's really special to be following in their footsteps.

..it's a hard act to follow but it's certainly an honour."

One thing's for sure, not for the last time City will be heading for a daunting 'Big Four' challenge this weekend and many's the Blue who'll be thinking that when we are up against it, 'we've got Shay.'

Good luck in Paris, Shay, Planet Blue is right behind you!

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