Given winning fitness race

(GSM) – Shay Given has expressed his confidence that he will be back to full fitness in time for the start of the 2010/11 season.

The Manchester City goalkeeper, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, has had to undergo surgery for the same problem to aid his recovery.

The former Newcastle United shot-stopper dislocated his shoulder when saving a shot from Arsenal’s Abou Diaby during a goalless draw at Emirates Stadium in late April.

Given also suffered ligament and tendon damage in the process, ruling him out of action for a prolonged period of time.

The setback saw City forced to sign Sunderland’s Marton Fulop on an emergency loan, with their keeping options stretched to breaking point.

However, Given believes that a summer of hard work on the training field will see him back in contention by the time the new season gets underway in August.

“I saw the specialist yesterday (Thursday) and he was pleased with my progress,” the 34-year-old Irishman told Sky Sports.

“He said if anything I’m ahead of schedule so that’s good news.

“I’ve been training all week in Manchester with the physios. It’ll be a different summer for me but the most important thing for me is to get back for the new season and that’s my target.

“That’s the plan and after yesterday’s meeting I should be okay.”