Shay Given hopes wealth of experience can be strength for Republic of Ireland

"We might be the oldest squad at the tournament, but a few of us have been here before and I think that will stand us in good stead."

Shay Given has admitted he would have been thrilled just to have won a single cap for the Republic of Ireland.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper last week became the nation's longest-serving international when the 134th senior appearance of his career against Belarus extended the gap between his debut and his most recent game to 20 years and 65 days, eclipsing Johnny Giles' record in the process.