Given retains major tournament ambition

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given never thought he would win three caps, let alone more than 100 – but still holds onto the dream of eventually bowing out at another major tournament.

The 33-year-old, along with veteran defender Kevin Kilbane, last night broke Steve Staunton’s international appearance record when they featured against Brazil at Emirates Stadium in what was a first match since the controversial World Cup play-off defeat to France.