Given happy to be playing

Shay Given will grab with both hands the chance of another international cap against Wales at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

The Republic of Ireland's most-capped played with 109 appearances has found himself playing second fiddle to Joe Hart at Manchester City this season.

However, the inaugural Carling Nations Cup tournament - which kicks off with Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish facing Wales in Dublin tonight - has handed the 34-year-old a chance of some action.

He said: "It is nice to play. If I wasn't picked I don't have a case to say I should be playing because I'm not playing for my club.

"It's thanks to Mr Trapattoni that I'm starting.

"I'm just delighted and I want to play football.

"I have trained more than I have ever trained. When you're playing, the next day you have a warm-down, so I've just stuck to training.

"I'm working harder than normal and hopefully that will stand me in good stead."

Given, who will be skipper, revealed his frustration at his City situation but is trying to remain positive.

"I thought there was a possibility (of moving) towards the end of the transfer window but the club wanted me to stay," he said.

"When you are a player you probably only think about yourself but you have got to respect what the club want as well.

"We are in three competitions this year with a realistic chance of winning all three.

"It is frustrating for me but who knows in football?

"Things can change very quickly. We have a lot of games coming up and anything could happen."

Given is tonight hoping to thwart former Newcastle team-mate Gary Speed, who is taking charge of Wales for the first time.

He said: "I played many games with him and am looking forward to seeing him."

In return, Speed was nothing but complimentary about the highly-rated keeper.

"I am not surprised he hasn't left City because he is the best keeper in the country," he said.

"For me he is up there with Neville Southall as one of the best keepers I have ever played with.

"That is how highly I rate him.

"Last season, without him, City would have got 15-20 less points.

"I am surprised he is not in the team but Joe Hart is also a great keeper.

"It is just sad a keeper of such talent is not playing week in, week out."