That must have been one of the best saves I have ever seen. Not only was it miles across from him but it was also already BEHIND him when he bent back and across to get a hand to guide it not just wide, but also high enough that it would have been over anyway.

Given is the best shotstopper in the world. And I'm not joking there.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Answers

He won our supporter's club award for player of the season last year. I would like to think the little trophy we presented him with has assisted him in his excellent form. Not that I'm trying to take credit for him of course.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Great, great goalkeeper.

Our new style of play this season has suited Given down to the ground, as we rarely use him to get the ball up the pitch. It's nearly always given to a full back who then plays it up the wing.

Obviously when we get a proper midfield playmaker in there there is another option for him.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Fantastic save to go with the one in the first half from Phillips. If he was just a little more commanding in the penalty area I think he'd rate as World's number 1. Certainly a brilliant shot stopper.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

It's a double edged sword though. The reason he isn't so commanding is that he is only about 6ft which is shorter than the likes of Van Der Sar and Peruzzi.

On the other hand, his more slight physique allows him to be more agile and leap for shots that you wouldn't expect him to get.

I feel a bit for Harper though, who is a class keeper in his own right. In some ways I think he should leave to get first team football, but in other ways he is one hell of a backup to have if Given was to get injured.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

Given is my player of the season thus far, but I have to agree with Paul here in feeling sorry for Harper. Still hope he doesn't leave though!

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

I've said it before this season, I never really rated him but he's proving me wrong. Definitely his best season for us by a mile.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

He does seem to hesitate coming out for crosses, and it's not as if he can't get the height with his obvious agility. But three top drawer saves in the game...you just can't fault that. Brilliant

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002