Shay Given: 'Roy is the reason why I got back involved with Ireland'

Roy Keane and Shay Given were two of Ireland greatest servants and, despite some testing times, the recently-retired goalkeeper from the international fray outlined yesterday the solid bond between the pair, writes John Fallon.

Given, at the ripe age of 40 and holding 134 caps, officially stepped away from the Ireland set-up last week and, during an interview with RTE’s Marty Morrissey yesterday, revealed the messages he’s received from the assistant manager whom he credits for convincing him out of retirement two years ago.