Middlesbrough goalkeeper Shay Given admits he faces returning to Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.

Given's loan from Aston Villa to Middlesbrough is due to end on February 28 and the two clubs were last week unable to agree a deal which will keep the former Republic of Ireland No 1 at the Riverside for the rest of this campaign.

Given told the Daily Mail: "It's been out of my hands really and pretty much out of Middlesbrough's hands too. Aston Villa wanted to have that 24-hour recall in case something happened to Brad Guzan. Had they extended the loan until the end of the season they couldn't call me back. Villa didn't feel they could take that risk. They wanted somebody with experience as an option.

"I could possibly go to another Championship club, I think. But I don't think I can come back to Middlesbrough."