Given to wear armband

Shay Given will captain Ireland in tomorrow night’s final World Cup qualifier against Montenegro as he wins his 100th senior international cap.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has handed the 33-year-old the captain’s armband as he and full-back Kevin Kilbane each complete a century to leave themselves only two adrift of Steve Staunton, Ireland’s most-capped player.

The Manchester City keeper takes over from Robbie Keane, who may play only one half at Croke Park as Trapattoni attempts to keep his players fresh for next month’s play-off.

Given goes into the game knowing he must avoid a second caution of the qualifying campaign if he is to make himself available for the first match of the play-off.

Midfielders Keith Andrews and Aiden McGeady are likely to be rested for just that reason, while striker Leon Best is also on a yellow card.