Given eager to earn maximum points

Shay Given insists nothing less than nine points will do from the next three matches if the Republic of Ireland are to qualify for next summer's European Championship finals.

Manager Steve Staunton's side first play San Marino on Wednesday before the eagerly-anticipated double header at Croke Park late next month when Wales and Slovakia will be the visitors.

With the Irish currently trailing the Group D leaders Germany and the Czech Republic by six points, it is clear there can be no slip ups.

"Everybody is talking about the games in March, but the one on Wednesday is massive," insisted Given, last night named as the Eircom/FAI international player of the year for the second successive time.

"We have to get the three points to pitch us nicely into those games at Croke Park, but we need nine points overall - nothing less will do.

"Obviously, we would like to have had a better start. We know we have had some poor results, but we can't turn the clock back, we have to look forward.

"If we win on Wednesday, and then those two games at Croke Park, you start adding up the points in your head. We still believe we can get to the finals. We're definitely in with a shout, so we have to be positive until we can't qualify."

Unfortunately for Newcastle goalkeeper Given, he will be watching Wednesday's game at the Serravalle Stadium on television.

The 30-year-old sustained a grade two tear to the left side of his groin a couple of weeks ago, and faces at least another two weeks on the sidelines.

"It's okay actually. I don't feel it at all when I'm walking," added Given. "All being well I'll be back in two weeks' time. I certainly will be back for the games in March."

Given has had a terrible time this season with injuries, notably sustaining a serious bowel injury in September that sidelined him for two months.

The 74-times capped Given has been informed by his doctor this latest injury may be linked to the former problem.

"I had peritonitis when I punctured my bowel which drains your system and it takes a lot out of you," said Given.

"The doctor has said it might be best if I take a rest in the summer and then have a good pre-season to get my body strength back up.

"I don't think it will be a problem in the long run, but because the operation was such a serious one, he feels it drained a lot of the goodness out of my body.

"I now have to work on that, getting the right stuff into my body food wise, and training wise as well."

Given may have to miss Ireland's two friendly games in America at the end of the season against Ecuador in New York on May 23 and Bolivia in Boston three days later.

"I'll have to speak to the medical people, and if they advise me not to go then I have to do what's best for my body," said Given.

"I don't like missing any games, so my mind will be telling me one thing and my body the other, but to be honest I've not thought that far ahead."