Soccer:Shay Given would welcome Paul Lambert's appointment as the new manager of Aston Villa amid speculation that he is in line for the job. The 36-year-old is currently away in Italy with the Republic of Ireland squad as they prepare for the Euro 2012 finals.

Back in England, the Norwich boss has been heavily linked with the post vacated by Alex McLeish last month with Villa due to meet Lambert’s representatives and Given admitted it could only be good news if the Scot does take over at Villa Park.

He said: “If that’s the case — I have no idea, because I am stuck in Italy somewhere, about what’s going on at Aston Villa — but if Paul was to come in, he would be a great appointment because he is a fantastic manager.

“Since he took the hot-seat at any club he has been at, he has just gone all the way up all the time, so hopefully if they can get that done, that would be great news for the club. The sooner the manager is in place for next season — because he will have targets and players he will want to get in himself — the sooner that’s done, the better.”

Villa finished in a disappointing 16th place in the Premier League table at the end of last season, just two points and as many places above the relegation zone. McLeish paid with his job two days after a final day 2-0 defeat at Norwich less than 11 months in the post.