Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given admits he's struggled mentally being benched this season.

Given, 36, hasn't played a ­Premier League game since boss Paul Lambert axed him to ­promote Brad Guzan two games into the season.

The keeper said: "You miss the buzz of playing games. I don't know what the manager's thoughts are, but hopefully I will play at Bradford.

"It is the manager who picks the team and for me, when I get the chance, it's important I ­remind him that there is still plenty of life left in me and still plenty of years left ahead of me.

"It's a tough one but the ­manager has gone with Brad this season.

"When you work hard all week and come match day you are not playing it can be soul-­destroying.

"These games have been good for me, the League Cup and ­looking forward to the FA Cup, as I knew earlier in the week that I'd be playing against Ipswich."