What Now For Given?

I was at White Hart Lane at the weekend as Tottenham and Manchester City played out an entertaining goalless draw on the opening day.
 
City boss Roberto Mancini plumped for Joe Hart in goal ahead of Shay Given in what was the biggest selection dilemma of the day for either manager. The 23-year-old England hopeful went on to make six crucial first-half saves, including a hat-trick of stops from Jermain Defoe, to justify his manager's selection and keep City in the game. 
 
Sitting next to the tunnel as the players returned to the dressing room after the pre-match warm-up, the demeanor of the two goalkeepers could not have been more contrasting. Hart bounced down the tunnel, barely able to contain his delight, while Given trudged off the pitch with a face like thunder. 
 
At 34, Given will not want to sit around on the bench, playing the odd Carling Cup game here and there if Hart continues to shine. It would not be the least bit surprising if the Irishman handed in a transfer request in the next week, but what affect will that have?
 
City with their millions have no necessity to sell, and would hardly want to strengthen a rival like Arsenal by surrendering a goalkeeper who remains one of the best in England.
 
If a lower Premier League option or indeed a move abroad does not materialize, it could be a frustrating season watching from the sidelines for Given.