Given crosses another bridge

SO then, Shay Given, were you aware in advance that Wayne Bridge wasn’t going to shake hands with John Terry at Stamford Bridge on Saturday?

Ireland’s No 1 pauses for an unfeasibly long period of time. Finally, with just a hint of a smile, he answers. “I had an idea, yeah,” he says. At which point, Given and the huddle of reporters surrounding him on the side of the Arsenal training pitch, dissolve into laughter.

Yes, it’s mad stuff, really, the idea that, after his Manchester City team have turned over league leaders Chelsea on their own turf, all anyone really wants to ask the Donegal man about is the latest twist in English football’s prime-time soap opera. For the record, Given doesn’t think the Bridge-Terry saga seriously impinged on matters on the field of play on Saturday.

And – sorry about this, Shay – but what did you make of the handshake that wasn’t? “It’s up to him what he wants to do. We were there to play football and I wouldn’t want to talk about anything else. It’s none of my business.” So – relief all ‘round – let’s talk footie then.

With Robbie Keane ruled out of tomorrow’s match against Brazil with a knee injury, Given is in line to captain the side on what would be – shared with Kevin Kilbane – a record-breaking 103rd appearance for his country.

How long more can the Lifford man keep it up? “I don’t know,” he smiles. “I don’t feel it’s time yet but obviously it will be soon enough coming along. I’ll get through this qualifying campaign and then maybe have a look at it after that. I suppose a lot will depend on Manchester City as well. If we can get Champions League football, there would be a lot more games and stuff. You just don’t know what’s around the corner. I’m very proud to play for my country, always have been, and I’ll be there if needed. But I know it will come to an end.”