SHAY GIVEN believes Robbie Keane’s arrival has given Aston Villa a huge lift ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Everton, when the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper hopes to return to the side after a six-week absence through injury and to feature alongside his international team-mate.

Keane has been training with Villa since the start of the week, and the Midlands club are confident that a two-month loan deal with LA Galaxy will be confirmed today, raising the prospect of the striker making his debut at home against an Everton side likely to include Landon Donovan, who is also on loan from the MLS Cup winners.

Given, who is expected to replace Brad Guzan in goal after recovering from a hamstring injury that he picked up against Manchester United at the start of last month, is excited about the prospect of Keane appearing in a Villa shirt and believes the 31-year-old’s arrival has improved the mood in the dressingroom after a mixed run of results.

“It’s great for Villa to secure a player of Robbie’s calibre, even in the short-term,” the Villa goalkeeper said.

“I didn’t know how fit he was before the last couple of days in training, but he looks really sharp, to be honest. We’re all delighted that he’s here and I think he’s just given the whole dressingroom a lift. He’s a big personality and he’s a big-game player.

“I think even in training the lads have been very impressed with what they’ve seen. I think it’s a great boost to have him on board.

“Some of the young lads here can learn from a guy like Robbie Keane, it’s fantastic for them. I think the younger players will look up to him and learn from him. Not only that, he’s only 31, so he’s quite young really. I think he will cause Premier League defences plenty of problems when’s given a chance to play. If you give him a chance (in front of goal), then nine times out of 10 he’ll take it.”

Although Guzan has acquitted himself well in Given’s absence, it would be a major surprise if Given was not restored to the starting line-up on Saturday, now that his hamstring problem has healed.

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

“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 number two and to step up to the plate, but he’s done that.” Guardian Service