Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has expressed his joy and relief to be playing first team football again.

The 35-year-old Irish international had missed six weeks due to a hamstring injury before returning to the side for the 1-1 draw with Everton.

However, while the shot-stopper was pleased on a personal level, he did comment that he thought Villa should have got all three points.

"It's been a long, long six weeks but I'm delighted to be playing again," said the former Newcastle man. "I would to thank the medical team for getting me back fit again. I'm not a good patient so I'm delighted to get back on the pitch again.

"When you've been out for a few weeks it's nice to get back in there and be there when called upon.

"I felt we deserved to win the game today but we switched off, they broke away from our corner and grabbed the goal. You want to win your home games, though we have lost our last few games at home so it's nice at least not to lose the game but there's a bit of disappointment we didn't win."

Given joined Villa from league leaders Manchester City during last summer's transfer window.