Given has no fears as Euros loom

Shay Given admits the Republic of Ireland are drawn in the ‘group of death’ at Euro 2012 but is relishing the daunting challenge.

‘‘We’ve got to keep the belief we’ve got a real chance of doing well,’’ the Aston Villa man said. ‘‘We know we’ve got probably the toughest group of the lot. Spain, the world champions, and the previous world champions in Italy, so it’s going to be very tough but we’re relishing going out there and playing against some of the best teams in the world. We do not fear them — we’re just excited about the challenge.’’

Given played a starring role the last time Ireland reached major finals, the 2002 World Cup, and says the experienced players in the squad will have a key role to play in Poland.

‘‘Myself, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff, we’ve been there before, we can hopefully help the younger lads but the younger lads have been around the squad a good few years and are desperate to play in a major tournament,’’ he said in an interview with UEFA.com.

‘‘We’ll try and help them as much as we can but they need to be on top of their game as well, which I’m sure they will be come kick-off.’’

Despite not playing a game in March, Ireland have climbed one place to joint 18th alongside Switzerland in the latest FIFA rankings. Croatia, who Trapattoni’s men face in their opening game of the finals on June 10, climb two place to eighth, Spain retain top spot while Italy drop three to 12th.