Soccer:Roberto Mancini has defended his decision to restrict Shay Given's appearances for Manchester City this season. Twelve months ago, the Republic of Ireland star was firmly established as City's number one.

Now, Given is at a crossroads in his career. Shunted down to second choice due to Joe Hart’s impressive form, the former Newcastle man is keen to leave City and reignite his career. Yet Mancini has warned Given it is not certain such a move will be granted.

“It is not a simple position,” he said. “You can change the other players every game but the goalkeeper is different. That is the only reason why Shay has not played so often because he is a fantastic goalkeeper.”

The City boss still remembers how he ended up needing to sign Marton Fulop as an emergency at the end of last season when Given was injured and an attempt to get Hart out of his loan spell at Birmingham failed.

With the stakes even higher this time around, Mancini is not willing to risk leaving himself so badly exposed again. Yet the Italian has not exactly made life easier for Given by opting not to select him when certain opportunities have arisen.

He sat out both legs of the qualifier, and the opening three Europa League games for instance, and also last week’s FA Cup clash at Leicester. It could be argued that Mancini made that call to stop Given becoming cup-tied. But as the 33-year-old is expected to be recalled for tomorrow night’s replay against Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Championship outfit, that defence does not stack up.

Instead, Mancini puts it down to the unique nature of the goalkeeping position, which leaves Given in the uncomfortable position of not knowing whether he will remain at Eastlands for the remainder of the season, and uncertain as to whether his services would be required anyway should he help City reach their first major final since 1981.