Shay Given has left Manchester City for Aston Villa shackles and believes his best is yet to come. The experienced goalkeeper endured a frustrating 2010/11 campaign, spent watching on from the sidelines as Joe Hart became City's number one.
The Republic of Ireland international is now looking forward to domestic duty with renewed optimism after securing a switch to Villa.
"Yes, it was difficult last season at City," said the 35 year old.
"I was going to the gym, doing the work while knowing there was nothing for me at the end of the week.
"What kept me going was that I had big games with Ireland. That gave me a little carrot once a month.
"Hopefully, I have still got my best years ahead of me. That's the plan. Arguably, Edwin van der Sar had the best season of his whole career last year with (Manchester) United.
"It's all about working hard and improving and I have never been afraid of hard work."
