Shay Given returns to full trainingShay Given praises Villa support
Shay Given admits he was 'blown away' by the support he received on signing for Aston Villa and is convinced they have great potential. The Republic of Ireland international moved from Manchester City over the summer in a bid to get first-team football.
Previous to that Given had spent 12 years at Newcastle which - like Manchester and Birmingham - is a city with a passion for football.
Despite his experience at those clubs Given admits he was taken aback by the reception from the Villa faithful and was left in no doubt as to the size of his new club.
"I remember going to the kit launch at Star City and I was blown away by the reception I received," Given told the club's official website.
"The amount of fans who turned up for that and the noise they made when we made our way down the escalators was unbelievable. That's when it hit home to me how big a club I had just joined.
"You come into Bodymoor Heath every morning and you marvel at the quality of the place - it really is world-class.
"I've played at Manchester City and Newcastle and you're sometimes cocooned in that city's bubble and you don't really have a feel for how big other clubs are in other cities.
"Trust me, I can see how big this club is. It's such a big place with great potential."