IT WAS clean sheets rather than balance sheets and goal-keeping instead of book-keeping as Shay Given was on hand to usher in the Alex McLeish era with a different kind of saving.

Much of Villa’s pre-season had been dominated by the claret and blue faithful’s concern at the lack of outfield signings as the board strives to slash the players’ wage bill.

But you get what you’re Given. And, rather than fretting about who or what’s missing, McLeish will be grateful his vital opening-day match-saver proved to be his No.1 hit at Fulham.

Especially when Villa’s other close-season capture, Charles N’Zogbia, gave further glimpses of his potential potency before fading along with his fellow forwards after the break.

It was Shay’s day. And, as the advertising strapline to another of Ireland’s great exports suggests, ‘Good things come to those who wait’.

It had been almost 16 months since Given last kept a Premier League clean sheet in Manchester City’s goalless draw at Arsenal on April 24 last year.

That was because it was the last time he played in the top flight, having injured his shoulder in that game, subsequently losing his jersey to Joe Hart and spending a season on the sidelines at Eastlands.

Remarkably, you have to go back another three days, to April 21 last year, for Villa’s last clean sheet on their travels – that’s 20 away trips – in a 2-0 win at Hull.

In fact, they only achieved seven shutouts last season – all at home – with Saturday’s blank providing early proof of McLeish’s ability to organise defences.

Shoutouts on opposition territory have been much easier to come by and Villa’s vibrant travelling fans continued their tradition of raucously cheering on the claret and blues at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The level of support throughout, and appreciation at a point-gaining start to the season, was gratefully noted by McLeish as he walked in front of the 5,000 away fans while they generously applauded the players off the field at the end.

McLeish knows it’s much easier to succeed with the right backing behind you – something the Villa back four can testify to following Given’s goalkeeping masterclass.

Among a series of routine stops, a willingness to come off his line to collect crosses and the instructions he constantly shouted to his defenders, three vital saves stood out.