Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has admitted that he has been impressed by Shay Given's attitude, despite the goalkeeper losing his first-team place.

The 37-year-old has not played a league game since August 2012, after slipping down the pecking order behind Brad Guzan and Jed Steer.

Given has stated that he is seeking to leave the club in January, but Lambert has hinted that his Villa career might not be finished yet.

"If anything happened to Brad I would have no problem with him coming back in on a matchday," Lambert told the Express & Star.

"Shay's been excellent around the place, he's a great pro and does everything right. He's a great keeper, but we had to make a decision we thought was right.

"He trains really hard and I'm sure Brad Guzan and Jed Steer would say Shay's been great for them."

Given has made 43 appearances for Villa since joining the club from Manchester City in 2011.