Manchester City have made a formal request to the Premier League to be allowed to sign an emergency goalkeeper on loan after Shay Given dislocated his shoulder against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.
The damage to Given’s shoulder will be assessed further when he sees two specialists in the next 72 hours, but the Donegalman is certainly out for the rest of the season and the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming friendly games against Paraguay and Algeria.
With three Premier League games remaining, the club's request will be considered by the Premier League Board.
City cannot bring Joe Hart back from Birmingham because there is a 'no-recall clause' in his season-long loan deal.
“Joe Hart is staying for the rest of the season. We have had no contact with Manchester City,” said Blues manager Alex McLeish today.
City's number two goalkeeper, Stuart Taylor, is still not fit after a knee operation and third-choice David Gonzalez is still suffering from a groin injury.
It leaves Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen, who replaced Given at the weekend for his first senior appearance, as next in line and academy player Loris Karius providing cover.
Speaking to www.mcfc.co.uk today, Hart revealed he is “devastated” for Given.
“I texted him on Saturday. I do not want that to happen to anyone, especially someone like him - a great keeper and really good person.
“All I can do is wish him a speedy recovery and that he is back between the sticks again as soon as possible.”