Shay Given has been promoted to the role of assistant manager at Aston Villa after Paul Lambert’s current right-hand man Ian Culverhouse was suspended.
Culverhouse, along with head of football operations Gary Karsa, have been disciplined although Villa have not revealed the reasons behind an internal investigation.
F0rmer Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Given and development coach Gordon Cowans have stepped up to assist manager Lambert while an investigation is under way.
“I’m delighted to have Gordon and Shay to assist me in preparing the team for Saturday, which is what the whole group is focused on,” said Lambert.
Given added: “As players, it’s important that each and every one of us take responsibility right now and I’m delighted to play my part in helping the manager and the team go and try to win on Saturday.”
The 37-year-old Given is currently the second choice ‘keeper at Villa Park behind Brad Guzan, and only returned to the club from a loan spell at Middlesbrough at the end of February.
