ABU DHABI // Shay Given believes that once Manchester City end the club's 35-year wait for a trophy, more silverware will begin to flow.
City's last major trophy was the 1976 League Cup, when they beat Newcastle United in the final, and Given thinks that breaking that drought will be the toughest hurdle.
"It's 35 years since we've won a trophy and I think that, with the new owners and the way the club has been structured now, the first trophy is going to be the probably hardest one to get," said the Irish goalkeeper who is Abu Dhabi promoting the club's soccer school.
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"I feel that if we get that under our belts it will give us huge confidence and belief in the team and the squad.
"It will give the fans huge belief as well that we are a team to be reckoned with and a team to be challenging for honours," added Given, who is currently out injured after undergoing shoulder surgery last month.
City's only remaining chance of a trophy this season is the FA Cup, where they face derby rivals Manchester United in the semi-final on April 16. Given, 34, is adamant that the long wait for success is not adding any extra pressure to the City squad ahead of that game.
"It's only an issue in the sense that we are all desperately hungry to bring some silverware to the club, that's the aim and I'm sure when Sheikh Mansour [bin Zayed] bought the club that was his aim - to be the best club and to be picking up trophies.
"The FA Cup's a realistic chance of doing that this season and I hope we can."
In many fans' eyes, a Manchester derby would have been the dream final, but Given rejects the suggestion that the victors of the game at Wembley would have one hand on the trophy.
"It's too easy to say that," said Given. "It would be too disrespectful to Bolton and Stoke in the other semi-final and if I said any comments along those lines, I'm sure they would be printed up on their wall in the changing room before the final.
"Obviously whoever wins the semi-final between us and United will be huge favourites in the final, but you can't get too far ahead of yourself. We've got a huge game against United and we know how difficult that's going to be."
twoods@thenational.ae
