Shay Given set to miss the rest of the season

Last updated : 23 February 2011 By Daily Mail

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, 34, damaged the joint for the second time in less than a year during the warm-up for City's Europa League tie against Aris Salonika last week.

Time's up: Shay Given looks to have played his last game for Manchester City

Given is due to be examined in London by a specialist on Wednesday, when he will discover if he needs another operation.

However, it is understood that the surgeon has seen scans of the shoulder and his initial assessment is that Given will need surgery.?

That would rule him out until the endof the season, when he will be allowed to leave City after afrustrating time as understudy to Joe Hart.

Given's age and his recurring injurywill have an impact on his choices and his fee but Celtic is onepossible destination and former City manager Mark Hughes is keen totake him to Fulham.

No luck of the Irish: Given initially injured his shoulder at the Emirates Stadium last season

Surgery will also deprive Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni of his most important player for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Macedonia next month and possibly in June.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, 30, who has never played a league game for City, will be on the bench on Thursday for the return leg against Salonika.

City will be without influential midfielder Nigel de Jong for last-32 game at Eastlands. The Holland international's injured ankle is only slowly responding to treatment. He is also expected to miss Sunday's Barclays Premier League home game against Fulham.

?Man City keeper Given made to wait to discover extent of shoulder injuryI'm disappointed City didn't let me leave in January, admits GivenGoalkeeper Hart in fear of derby axe after slips cost Manchester CityManchester City FC news from across the web ?Explore more:People: Stuart Taylor, Shay Given, Joe Hart, Mark Hughes Places: London, Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Macedonia, Ireland

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail