Kilbane urges veterans to stay

Kevin Kilbane has called on Ireland’s veterans to stay on and help the Boys in Green reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Ireland still have one game to play in the tournament, against Italy on Monday, but already the focus is on the future, amid speculation goalkeeper Shay Given is considering his international future. Fellow veterans such as captain Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne are also now in their thirties and may also be pondering their options, but Kilbane, who won 110 caps for Ireland, feels the old stagers should stick around.

‘‘I hope the [finals] experience gives the players an appetite to push on and qualify for the 2014 World Cup too,’’ Kilbane said.