Given has his eyes on the prize

HE’S known play-off joy and play-off heartbreak and he’s experienced the highs and the lows of winning and losing at the finals of the World Cup but even after 11 years as Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper, there’s still a significant box that hasn’t been ticked in Shay Given’s packed cv.

“I’ve never played in the European Championship finals,” he points out, “and I’d like to look back when I’ve finished and say I’ve played in the World Cup and the European Championships. And I can’t say that yet.

“There is a real chance now for me and some of the players to do that – and maybe it’s also the last chance for a place at the European Championships. It’s a big prize. I grew up all my life as an Irish supporter and just because I live in England now doesn’t mean I don’t know what it means to the people.