Premier League

Shay Given could be in line for a recall to the Manchester City starting line-up after Joe Hart made the latest in a series of errors against Birmingham City on Wednesday evening.

Hart was badly at fault for Birmingham’s first goal at St. Andrew’s, letting a free-kick from David Bentley crawl under his legs after the slightest of touches from Birmingham’s beanpole striker Nikola Zigic.

The mistake was the latest in a catalogue of clangers made by the England number one this season, and City boss Roberto Mancini is growing increasingly frustrated at the errors of judgement that are costing City vital points as they seek to make up ground on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Mancini was livid after the 2-2 draw with Alex McLeish’s side, reserving particular criticism for his defence and goalkeeper. Asked whether he might re-think his choice of goalkeeper, he simply replied: "Anything is possible".

Given has so far been restricted to one-off appearances in the Carling Cup and Europa League so far this season, but having rebuffed bids for the Irish international during the transfer window, the Italian may be tempted to give him another chance between the sticks during the title run-in.