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Tim Sherwood has warned Shay Given: Your FA Cup Final place is not yet secure.

Villa’s veteran stopper played his first Premier League game of the season last weekend as Brad Guzan was dropped after an error in the previous match.

Given had only been used as the club’s ‘cup goalkeeper’ and was expected to watch from the sides before returning in between the sticks for the Arsenal clash on May 30.

However, now the Irishman is under increased pressure to perform because if he slips up between now and the end of the season, Guzan could re-gain his spot for the Wembley encounter.

“We have not closed the book on Brad and Shay realises that,” said Sherwood.

“Who knows if he will play in the cup final or not? I might have swung it around.

“I’ll have to ask Shay if he’d like to play in the final three or the cup final!

“We have to keep them on their toes.

“No player is guaranteed a start here. They all have to work for it.”

Given made history last weekend by becoming the first player to appear under 17 different managers in the Premier League when he started in the 3-2 win over Everton.

Sherwood admitted it was a tough decision but insists both stoppers have acted professionally since the change,

“It’s not easy with two good goalkeepers because when one gets left out it is up to the other to show he is good,” said the boss.

“He (Shay) ain’t going to show me out there if he’s not going to get an opportunity in games. His attitude is first class and Brad’s attitude has been great as well.

“I spoke to Brad and said I would play Shay. And I expect him to have the same attitude as Shay and that’s exactly what I’ve got from him.

“It’s been fantastic. The door is not closed for Brad Guzan. It’s life and football. I’ve been left out a few times.

“You don’t expect players to be doing cartwheels, you expect them to show the manager they want to roll their sleeves up and fight for their place.”