OUT ON LOAN

The head coach of Middlesbrough, Aitor Karanka wants to keep Shay Given on an extended deal following his recent string of impressive performances that saw his team concluding their last 3 matches with consecutive clean sheets.

Shay Given was brought into Middlesbrough on November 28 on a loan deal which lasts until New Year’s Day but then will have to make his move back to Aston Villa. However, the impact Shay Given has made to the club has poised Karanka on extending the stay of Shay at least until the end of the season.

“Shay is very important for us because he brings a lot of experience and that transmits itself to the players in front of him. The club is working very hard to keep him because we know how important it is to have Shay here’’.

“And the most important thing is that Shay is very happy here, he is a big part of the changing room. Shay wants to stay, we want him to stay, he says he is happy here and he is playing well.” Karanka said.

Middlesbrough was forced to initiate a search in the transfer market when Jason Steele received a red card during the match against Leeds and following the sanction, Steele picked up an ankle injury that saw him extending his stay on the sidelines of the team until he is able to make a full recovery.

The 37 years old goalkeeper is just happy to be playing and will continue to be playing at his best whether or not it’s in Middlesbrough or Aston Villa

“I am just so happy to be back playing matches again.I was desperate to come out on loan once I was given a chance. The buzzes of the crowd, the excitement leading up to the game you just miss that so much.” Shay Given said.