Given offers hope to youngsters

Shay Given has told the Republic of Ireland’s young hopefuls that the next fortnight is their chance to play their way into manager Brian Kerr’s World Cup qualifying plans.

The Republic play four friendly internationals between now and June 5 against teams all ranked in the world’s top 50, starting against Romania at Lansdowne Road tomorrow night and culminating with a mouthwatering clash against Holland in Amsterdam.

Kerr initially named a squad of 31 players, but injuries have whittled that down to 25 plus Roy Keane who remains doubtful. The new recruits include QPR’s Martin Rowlands, Clive Clarke of Stoke and Celtic prodigy Aidan McGeady.

Newcastle goalkeeper Given recalled his early days in the squad and urged the new boys to stake their claim.

“I went on the tour to America in the summer of 1996 and it was a great experience for me,” said Given.

“I’m sure the younger players coming in are just as excited as I was then and know it’s a chance.

“These games coming up are against top opposition which is good because I believe you learn more matching yourself against top European opposition than you do against teams that you are expected to beat comfortably.”

Given will be bidding to keep his fourth clean sheet in five international matches, and while he is happy with his own form he reflected on a disappointing campaign, although he backed club boss Bobby Robson.

“It’s always good to get clean sheets but it’s a credit to the team not just the goalkeeper and the defenders and in the four games we’ve used plenty of players,” he said.

“I always go into every season with the aim of being more consistent. Goalkeepers improve as they get into their early 30s and I think I’ve played well.

“However, we didn’t win anything at Newcastle and it was a slightly disappointing season. We could have qualified for the Champions League and won the UEFA Cup, but we didn’t do it because we didn’t deserve to. To win just twice away tells it’s own story and we’ve got to improve next year.

“Sir Bobby has the support of all the players. When he took over we were struggling against relegation and people forget that. Finishing fifth was a success in those terms because we are now a consistent top five side.”