Tim Sherwood on goalkeeper plans to shut down Liverpool in Wembley semi-final

ASTON VILLA will call upon the experience of Shay Given to block out Liverpool at Wembley this weekend.

Shay Given catches the ballGETTY

Shay Given (second right) will start in goal for Aston Villa this weekend

The Villains face their Premier League counterparts in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday, hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2000.

Tim Sherwood's men, having endured a torrid start to the season under former manager Paul Lambert, have picked up form in recent weeks, keeping three clean sheets in six games.

Regular between the sticks is Brad Guzan, who has played all 33 of Villa's league games this season..

But Shay Given has been handed FA Cup responsibility this season and Sherwood is determined to stick with the 39-year-old stopper for Sunday's clash, insisting the experience he brings will aid the side.

"Shay plays. Absolutely," Sherwood said.

"He's done nothing wrong Shay, he's a large part of the reason we're in this semi-final.

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"The saves he made against Leicester (in the fifth round) were fantastic and at the right time.

"He trains fantastically well and he's pushing Brad all the way for that No.1 spot."

Republic of Ireland stopper Given won the FA Cup with Manchester City in 2011, although he was an unused substitute in the final against Stoke.

He has conceded just two goals in the Cup this season but comes up against a Liverpool attack that has scored in each of its last five outings

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