It's been just over a week since Shay Given was released by Stoke and is now in search of a new job. Even at 41 years of age, it appears the Donegal man is in no mood to hang up the gloves just yet.
Although he recognises his shot at a starting spot in the Premier League is slim, he feels the Championship is within his grasp.
Speaking to Colin Young in The Sunday Independent, Given admitted concerns over his future in coaching saying that despite holding a UEFA A coaching licence he feels his job opportunities are limited because teams are opting to look further afield than England and Ireland when it comes to top positions.
I think I could do the job. I have all the qualifications, but they could just sit in a drawer. There are not many English or Irish managers.
It's not demoralising, but when you see clubs appointing foreign managers, like Norwich recently, it is a concern for English and Irish coaches.
There seem to be fewer opportunities and even if you want to become an assistant or a goalkeeping coach, these guys are bringing their own people with them, so there are no jobs out there.
Given may have somewhat of a point, on the final day of the Premier League season this year only eight of the 20 managers were from these islands.
Possibly because he feels he doesn't have much of a chance getting into coaching yet, Given will be looking to play at least one more season in nets. The Donegal man would be open to taking a backup role in the Premier League but would also be willing to take a drop down to the Championship.
Given will officially become a free agent on July 1st when his contract with Stoke expires. According to today's Sunday World, QPR may be will to offer Given a home when his deal at the bet365 Stadium runs out.
