Given invited to train with Donegal

Shay Given may train with the Donegal senior footballers tomorrow night as Jim McGuinness’s team continue their preparations for next month’s Ulster semi-final against Fermanagh or Antrim.

The 125-times capped Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was present at Donegal’s 1-11 to 0-11 Ulster quarter-final win over Derry at Celtic Park on Sunday and, as a native of Lifford, is currently holidaying in his native county.

“I have spoken to Jim McGuinness a few times and he wanted me to go up training this week,” the Aston Villa netminder said yesterday.

“What Jim has done with Donegal is only phenomenal and it was great to be there at the Derry game on Sunday.

“Jim gave the players a great team talk as they came out for the second half all fired up and won the game well, a great start to the championship. Jim has had some stick from certain quarters, especially in parts of the media, but what he has done for Gaelic in Donegal is exceptional.”

Although a friend of Donegal goalkeeping coach Pat Shovelin, Given’s role at training is believed to merely be an advisory one.

“It’s not really to do any coaching or hard work with the Donegal keepers, it’s really just a case of mingling with the players, having a chat and seeing if there is anything I can help with,” he said.

McGuinness’s predecessor John Joe Doherty brought in current Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, whose parents Mick and Julia are from Dunfanaghy and Rathmullan respectively, for a motivational talk before their 2009 fourth round qualifier win over Galway in Sligo.

The Donegal panel trained last night at Convoy — without Given — and manager McGuinness was said to have no injury concerns ahead of the Ulster semi-final, which will take place on Sunday, June 22.