Allardyce U-Turn With Shay Given!

Last updated : 09 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
He has told Shay Given he will have to fight for his place back once he is fit, which is perfectly understandable, and has told Steve Harper he will hold the position "for as long as he plays well".

Which was what he told Harper the last time he replaced Given. Even saying "Harper is my number one", then the following game dropped him when Shay played a stormer for the Republic of Ireland.

Mind games? Obviously.

Allardyce (after Harper had done no wrong) decided to restore Given for the Carling Cup third-round defeat at Arsenal, much to the disappointment of Harper, who had been on the losing side only once all season.

Allardyce: "Steve will be in goal for however many games he performs well in.

"Shay will be out for a couple of weeks or so, then hopefully he stays as fit as he can.

"I bet David James had more saves to make in the first half last week than Stevie Harper, and you cannot blame him for any of the goals."