by Elizabeth Hudson

Nielsen faces a stiff examination against Aston Villa and Spurs

Faroe Islands manager Brian Kerr believes that goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen would be able to rise to the challenge of playing for Manchester City.

Nielsen, 23, played the last 17 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Arsenal after Shay Given dislocated his shoulder.

BBC Sport understands City will be allowed to bring in a keeper on an emergency loan, but Kerr is confident of Nielsen's ability if he plays.

"I believe he will grasp the chance if he is given it," he told BBC Sport.

"He has prepared a long time for this and I 'm confident that he would handle the situation well. It is a big opportunity for him."

As City search for another keeper to bring on loan, Nielsen is currently the only available senior keeper at the club as former Arsenal and Aston Villa keeper Stuart Taylor is injured and Joe Hart cannot be recalled from his loan at Birmingham City.

Roberto Mancini's side lie sixth after Villa's victory against Birmingham on Sunday, although they can still guarantee fourth by winning their three remaining matches - the next two being at home against their rivals for the Champions League spot - Villa and Spurs.

Nielsen, who has two international caps for the Faroes, joined City in 2009 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers after a loan spell with Blue Square Premier side Wrexham.

But Kerr believes he can take the responsibility of Premier League football on board.

"He is big, confident and competent and because of his physical attributes he has a bit of a presence about him. He is a good kicker of the ball and his distribution is decent," he added.

"He is ambitious and focused but he hasn't played too many games this season because there haven't been too many reserve games and City have used a number of different keepers in them.

"If he gets to play, his mental attitude and strength will be a real attribute that will come across on the field. He has made plenty of sacrifices to go and try and make it in England but what he needs more than anything else for his development is regular games to help with his decision making.

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"He made his debut for the Faroes against Iceland before I took over and I was very impressed by his performance and he will be my top-choice keeper for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

"It is a very important development for Faroese football and it is a huge boost for young Faroese players to have a player like that to look up to."

Nielsen said the experience of playing against Arsenal was an "unbelievable feeling" and added: "The Faroe Islands is only a small country, 50,000 people, and I think they will be very proud. They know I've been trying for years.

"When I did come on it was just so intense - it was a high pressure game and I had to stay focused. I like to think I'm calm under pressure."

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