Record breaker Shay Given determined to enjoy Ireland swansong at major tournament

03 March 2010 16:47
Landmark: Given won his 103rd cap against Brazil[LNB]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.   [LNB]The 33-year-old, along with veteran defender Kevin Kilbane, 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.   [LNB]Manchester City stopper Given has long been recognised as one of the most consistent keepers in Europe.   [LNB]While time may not be on his side to repeat the World Cup experience of 2002 in the Far East, Given believes the current squad have what it takes to put the disappointment of this season behind them and reach the next European Championships.   [LNB]'I never thought I would make three caps, no matter 103,' said the former Newcastle stalwart, who made his first international appearance in 1996 against Russia.   [LNB]'You can only go on how you are feeling at the time, and at the moment, I am feeling great.  [LNB] 'I would like to see another campaign through, and we will see after that.'[LNB]Given recalled: 'I was just happy to get one (cap) to be honest, and I have to thank Mick McCarthy for giving me my debut, because he could have picked some older guys.   [LNB] City boys: Given and Robinho came face to face at the Emirates and the Brazilian who had the last laugh by setting up one goal and scoring another (below)[LNB]'It was a great honour for myself and Kevin to have broken Steve Staunton's record, but the bottom line is we both want to qualify, and are disappointed we are not going to the World Cup.   [LNB]'But we both think we can give something to the team to help qualify for the European Championships - I would love to finish with a major tournament.   [LNB]'Paris was a real kick in the teeth, but you have got to bounce back. If you look at the draw we have been given for the European Championships, then we have got a chance.  [LNB] 'We are really going to have to go for it and hopefully we can end the career at a major championships.'[LNB]Captain Robbie Keane believes the Republic of Ireland can take great heart from the way they 'stood up' to Brazil, before eventually being undone by an unfortunate own-goal from Keith Andrews and a well-crafted second from Robinho, Given's team-mate at City who is currently on loan at Santos.   [LNB] Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni has certainly taken the squad in the right direction over the past two years - and Given believes that progression can continue when the next qualifying campaign starts in the autumn.   [LNB]'It is about keeping the belief within the squad and keep moving the team forwards,' he said. 'We are all devastated about the result in Paris, but if we can take the way we played, which was fantastic, into the qualifying campaign, then we will do all right.'[LNB]Given added: 'There are a lot of places up for grabs in the squad now, and guys like James McCarthy can tell their grandchildren that they made their international debut against Brazil.   [LNB]'We have not got a big squad, so the more players who come through the better because that improves our chances of qualifying.   [LNB]'These lads will need time, but we have got good experience in the squad and hopefully we can help them.'[LNB] Robinho can be a Manchester City star after Santos loan, insists Shay GivenBrazil 2 Republic of Ireland 0: The real Robinho comes out to playEngland eighth in FIFA rankings ahead of Argentina as Spain hold top spotMANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail