Play for pride, Givens tells squad

Republic of Ireland caretaker manager Don Givens has called on the players to show some pride to ensure they end a dismal European qualifying campaign on a high.

Givens takes charge for Saturday’s final Group D encounter against Wales at the Millennium Stadium following the recent departure of Steve Staunton.

The 38-year-old lost his job after just 21 months in charge due to a number of woeful performances, culminating in the 1-1 home draw with Cyprus last month.

Now under-21 manager Givens is charged with the task of ensuring the Republic at least finish with a flourish, rather than with more egg on their faces.

The Republic could conceivably wind up sixth in the group – which would leave San Marino as the only team below them – and that could prove damaging for next month’s World Cup draw.

Third place, though, is up for grabs and what Givens is demanding as he said: “Third is not what we wanted at the start, but it would be respectable.

“What’s done is done as far as qualification for the championships are concerned, so now we are obviously hoping to finish the campaign with a positive result.

“These players don’t want to be dwelling on a bad performance for three months before the next game.

“That’s what happens in international football. You can’t get it out of your system. You are stuck with it for months.

“But these boys don’t want it, and I don’t wan’t it, so we will be giving it the best we can to get that third spot.

“When we look at the group after this is over we have to do so with a bit of pride and not be cringeing.

“Once I assess the situation on Thursday and Friday, I will be putting out the strongest team. It’s as simple as that.”

It remains to be seen exactly what will be Givens’ strongest team as three defenders yesterday withdrew with injury, while another is a doubt.

Richard Dunne (calf), Stephen Kelly (knee ligaments) and Andy O’Brien, who requires an operation on a broken nose, are all now sidelined.

Paul McShane pulled out of yesterday’s training session at the Cwmbran Stadium early on with a calf problem but should be fit.

Givens had looked to call up Ian Harte and Kevin Foley but they are nursing hip and ankle injuries.

Ipswich’s Alex Bruce and Celtic’s Darren O’Dea have stepped in as replacements and will today join in training, as should goalkeeper Shay Given after a recent lay-off with a groin problem.

“It’s unfortunate what has happened this week,” said Givens.

“When I got to Sunday evening without a phone call I thought I was home and dry, but they (injuries) are coming thick and fast now.

“They are all in one area of the team as well, which gives us a bit of a problem, but we will just have to deal with it.

“The boys here have already proved they can do it, so I don’t have fears for any of them.”