Hughes backs Given to recover

MANCHESTER CITY manager Mark Hughes is confident his goalkeeper Shay Given has the mental toughness to cope with his World Cup agony.

Ireland number one Given knew instantly that Thierry Henry had handled in the build-up to William Gallas’ dramatic extra-time goal.

But despite Given’s frantic protests, he failed to change referee Martin Hansson’s mind, condemning the Irish to an agonising play-off exit.

Hughes knows how Given will feel. As Wales manager, Hughes failed to mastermind a play-off win over Russia that would have secured qualification for Euro 2004, a loss that came with an added twist when Russia midfielder Yegor Titov failed a drugs test.

“It is not easy as a player or manager to miss out in the last match. Sometimes you feel aggrieved, sometimes you just weren’t quite good enough,” he said.

“I had it when we lost to Russia and then one of their players failed a drugs test.

“The only way you put that bitter disappointment behind you by playing exceptionally well at club level.”