Extend Trap deal now, Given urges FAI

SHAY GIVEN believes Giovanni Trapattoni should immediately be given a new Ireland contract, irrespective of performances in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The FAI won’t consider the issue until after this campaign, despite Trapattoni himself angling for a new offer.

But the new Aston Villa keeper believes a decision should be made now, admitting such a move could extend his own international career beyond next summer.

“We should get it done and put it to bed. Because you guys (the media) will be speculating if it’s not.

“I’ve said many times that I think we’re very honoured and privileged to have him as a manager because he’s such a great coach and I think the results prove that as well. Alright, we didn’t qualify but were extremely unlucky in the play-offs against France and now we’re unbeaten away from home for a long number of games. I just think for such a small nation to have someone world renowned in football is fantastic. I would hope he would extend his contract, definitely, and be here for another couple of years.”

As to whether that would convince Given to extend his own international career beyond 2012, the goalkeeper conceded: “Possibly. I’ll speak to Trap after this and see what the best thing to do is.”

Talking in Dublin yesterday to launch ESPN’s Premier League coverage, Given admitted he owed Trapattoni some loyalty himself. The manager persevered with the 35-year-old last season despite a paltry number of appearances for Manchester City.

“I thank him for that. He could have changed it and put Kieren (Westwood) in and I couldn’t have really said I should be playing because I would have had nothing to back it up.

“You could train all day and all night but goalkeeping is all about decision-making and distances between defence and through balls and things and it’s hard to reenact that in training. You do lots of shot-stopping and kicking and stuff but the actual game situation is harder to reenact. You only get that from playing. It wasn’t ideal last year. You’re doing your best but I do think I’ll be a lot sharper this year.

“I feel like a kid again, before Christmas. I’m excited about getting the season underway.

“Ideally, I’d like to win a trophy. After last year, it’s important I get playing again. I’ve joined a big club. Very impressed with the set-up. They’re the best training facilities I’ve seen.

“I’ve not met Randy Lerner yet and don’t want to say we’re desperate for players. Maybe a couple of loanees to strengthen the squad. We’ve got the nucleus of a very good team. The only thing that might be a bit of a concern would be the size of the squad if we got injuries or suspensions.

“Stewart Downing and Ashley Young are two big losses but we brought in Charles N’Zogbia who has been a great addition. Ideally we’d like to bring a couple more in.”

Given, however, appears much more confident in Ireland qualifying for Euro 2012. With a trip to Russia coming in September, he feels Trapattoni’s assured approach to away games could be the difference in topping the group.

“He’s given us that belief. The first obstacle is obviously Slovakia. And if we can go to Moscow with three points from that, it will give us huge belief as well.”