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Boro are trying hard to extend Shay Given’s loan stay until the end of the season, Aitor Karanka has confirmed.

The vastly experienced Irish keeper’s current deal ties him to the club until February 28.

But Karanka thinks it’s possible Given could see out the season.

“I would sign Shay for the next three years right now!” he said, tongue in cheek, before adding: “The club is working to keep him until the end so let’s see what happens. I hope he can stay, I know the club is working on that.”

If Boro are to retain his services for the remainder of the current campaign, they’ll have to thrash out a new contract before the transfer window closes on January 31.

After that date, the emergency loan window rules apply and they state that Given won’t be able to stay beyond 93 days which means as things stand his last Boro game will be against Leeds on February 22.

It’s believed that Villa are reluctant to extend the loan period during January because they then wouldn't have a recall option in the event of an injury crisis.

Emergency loans, though, do allow parent clubs to recall a player, which is why Villa were happy to let Given join Boro in the first place.

The 37-year-old has been outstanding since joining the club in November and on Saturday made a stunning stoppage time save to preserve his side’s 1-0 lead against Charlton.

Ireland coach Roy Keane was at the game but it’s believed he left before the end and missed Given’s big moment.

The keeper modestly played down the diving stop from Dale Stephens and the loud praise from the home fans immediately afterwards.

“It was all right,” he said. “I think it was the importance of the save more than anything that got the crowd chanting.

“We all know we can play better. Sometimes in the Championship you have to grind results out and you have to dig in and hang on and we did that and thankfully I made a save when I had to.”

Regarding an Ireland recall, Given added: “I’m just delighted to be playing well for Middlesbrough.

The Republic don’t have a competitive game for a long while yet so I’ll have to keep playing well for a long time if I am to be included in the international set-up again.”