Manchester City manager Robert Mancini insists he will allow goalkeeper Shay Given to leave the club on loan in January.

The Republic of Ireland international is now seen as cover for Joe Hart and has not played all season, once again missing out in Sunday's 2-0 win at Wigan.

Given was linked with moves to Fulham, Celtic and Arsenal before the transfer window closed last month but remained at Eastlands.

Although Mancini has hinted he could feature in the League Cup against West Brom on Wednesday, Given has not even started Europa League matches.

That has led to him admitting he is "very, very frustrated" and that his situation is "demoralizing".

He said: "I know it doesn't matter what I do on the training pitch, I won't be playing at the weekend. If I'm flying around like Clark Kent in goals, I still won't play on Saturday."

Mancini insists he is sympathetic to Given's plight and will let him leave when the transfer window opens if he feels the same way in three months.

The Manchester City manager said: "I have a lot of respect for Shay. I told him this situation before the transfer market finished.

"I told him, 'Shay, you can choose. I hope you stay here, but this is the situation for this moment but I respect your decision. If you want to leave, you can'."