Given all-clear for Euros

Shay Given flew in and out of London yesterday to learn that he’s out for Bosnia but, it appears, in for the Euros.

That was the encouraging prognosis after the goalkeeper sought a second opinion from specialist Andy Williams on a knee injury which flared up in training this week. In a statement released as the player was travelling back from London, the FAI said: “The specialist has been in contact with the Irish medical team and agrees with their diagnosis and recovery management plan. Shay is expected to return to full training on Wednesday.”

Keiren Westwood will deputise for Given for tomorrow’s friendly game against Bosnia at the Aviva Stadium but, assuming the Donegal man’s recovery goes according to plan, the strong belief in the Irish camp is that Given will be taking up his position between the posts as usual when Ireland play Croatia in their opening game of the Euro finals on Jun 10.