Surprise Ireland recall for Given

Shay Given has been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of next week’s double-header against Oman and Georgia.

The 38-year-old Aston Villa coach, who announced his retirement from international football after the Euro 2012 finals, is a surprise inclusion in Martin O’Neill’s final 27-man party for next Wednesday’s friendly against Oman in Dublin and the opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Tbilisi four days later.