Given: We have nothing to fear

Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given believes Ireland should have nothing to fear ahead of Saturday’s “must-win” clash with Switzerland in Basle.

Given is one of the most experienced players in the squad, having been involved in three previous qualification campaigns.

All culminated in play-off matches – games Given thinks will benefit Ireland on Saturday.

“With the players we have, we don’t fear anyone,” he declared. “If we play to our potential we can get the three points.

“It’s a must-win game but we must remember that we can’t win it in the first minute.

“It’s a 90-minute game and we must concentrate for 90 minutes because one lapse could let them in and kill us.

“We’ve got to remain calm and use all of our experience.

“I’ve played in two play-offs against Belgium and Iran and we won one and lost one and you know which was sweeter,” he said.

“I was young in Belgium and I thought it was the end of the world. I was bawling my eyes out at the final whistle. If we don’t do it, I’ll be crying on the inside this time but I don’t want to go through what happened then.”

Ireland must make sure they get the points without inspirational captain Kenny Cunningham, who is suspended, and Given, who has played behind Cunningham in all seven Euro 2004 qualifiers, believes that whoever takes his place will do a good job.

“Kenny is a big loss but Kenny’s not here and it’s up to the players who are here to do the job and we’ve got the players here who can step in quite easily,” he said.

“‘Breeny’ has been great in all the games and I play behind Andy O’Brien at Newcastle so I know how good he is. John O’Shea is also a very good option and we all know he’s top quality.”