Givens' word of warning for Treacy

IRELAND goalscoring legend Don Givens has criticised Keith Treacy following the Preston winger’s contentious withdrawal from the Irish squad.

As U21 manager, Givens had run-ins with the player and, yesterday said he feared Treacy would encounter further turbulence in his career.

“Keith has a lot of talent, but his discipline and dedication to the game doesn’t match the talent,” claimed Givens.

“The willingness or the enthusiasm to put on the green jersey is always vital to me. I see it as one of our strong points – our commitment to the cause has always been very good to us – and when I see somebody who is lacking that I kind of find it hard to accept.

“And Keith, whatever his reasons are or the excuses he comes up with, is lacking that thing which is basic, whether you’re earning £200 a week or £20,000 a week.

“If you don’t want to put on that green shirt, don’t bother coming, son.”