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Given desperate to reach Wembley
Veteran Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given hopes he will keep his place in Paul Lambert's side for Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Bradford City.
The 36-year-old, who endured a difficult time with the Republic of Ireland at last summer's Euro 2012 tournament, has lost his place in the Villa side to Brad Guzan for much of this season, although he has featured in three Capital One Cup matches and Saturday's FA Cup third round victory against Ipswich Town.
Former Newcastle United and Manchester City shot-stopper Given said: "I'm not used to this position but these cup games have been important. Had we been knocked out in the first round of the League Cup, I might not have been so happy. Sometimes you sulk about it and have bad days like all people do.
"I can't say I'm happy to sit on the bench because I'm not. I want to play football, but it's the manager's choice and I've just got to try and impress him every time I get a chance.
"But Wembley is touching distance away so there are quite a few games coming up and hopefully I'll play my part."
Lambert is expected to restore Christian Benteke, 4.50 to open the scoring against Bradford City, to his starting line-up for the clash with the League Two side after the Belgium international was rested at the weekend as Darren Bent started his first game since returning from a hamstring injury.
Winger Charles N'Zogbia also returned from a knee problem to start against the Tractor Boys while Gabby Agbonlahor stepped off the bench following a thigh injury absence.
However, Marc Albrighton suffered a knock to his problematic metatarsal bone against Ipswich while Ashley Westwood, Ron Vlaar and Richard Dunne are still out with respective ankle, calf and knee trouble.
Villa are 3.75 to win this season's Capital One Cup, while Bradford City can be backed at 34.00.