Sunday, April 25, 2010

Nielsen relishes Man City chance

Gunnar Nielsen
Nielsen faces a stiff examination against Aston Villa and Spurs

Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen has insisted he can handle the pressure as Manchester City push for Champions League qualification.

The 23-year-old keeper played the last 17 minutes of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal after first-choice Shay Given dislocated his left shoulder.

Given will miss the last three games as City battle to finish fourth.

"I've not played too many games at this level - I've started at the top, the rest will be easy," he told mcfc.co.uk.

Nielsen is the only available keeper for City's remaining matches as former Arsenal and Aston Villa keeper Stuart Taylor is injured and Joe Hart cannot be recalled from his loan at Birmingham City.

Roberto Mancini's side lie sixth after Villa's victory against Birmingham on Sunday, although they can still guarantee fourth by winning their three remaining matches - the next two being at home against their rivals for the Champions League spot.

Nielsen, who two international caps for the Faroes, joined City in 2009 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers after a loan spell with Conference side Wrexham.

He said the experience of playing against Arsenal was an "unbelievable feeling" and told the club's website: "The Faroe Islands is only a small country, 50,000 people, and I think they will be very proud. They know I've been trying for years."

Nielsen continued: "When I did come on it was just so intense - it was a high pressure game and I had to stay focused. I like to think I'm calm under pressure."

Next Saturday's game at Villa will see him at the opposite end from Brad Friedel, a former Blackburn team-mate and someone he described as "one of my heroes".

Nielsen said he was "gutted" for Given, adding: "He's calm and experienced, and I want to be like that."

marlboro cigarettes | tadacip 20 | kamagra oral jelly france

No comments: