Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane join Republic of Ireland 100 club

13 October 2009 10:59
Shay Given hadthe unenviable taskof following in thefootsteps of thelegendary PackieBonner on his debut, whileKevin Kilbane made suchan impression in his firstIreland game that he wassubstituted at half-time anddid not play again for sixmonths. [LNB]On Wednesday night Given andKilbane become the second andthird Irishmen to play 100 timesfor the Republic, joining formercaptain and manager SteveStaunton, who had reached 102caps when he retired.[LNB]Mick McCarthy gave the pairtheir first caps during theRepublic's doomed World Cup 98campaign and admits he neverenvisaged they would be on theverge of smashing Staunton'srecord. [LNB] Ton up: Shay Given will make his 100th appearance for Republic of Ireland against Montenegro[LNB]Saturday's 2-2 draw with Italytook the close pals to 99 caps eachand they will reach their centurieswhen Montenegro visit CrokePark for a Group Eight gamewhich has become a dead rubberafter Ireland saw off Bulgaria'schallenge to clinch a World Cupqualification play-off. [LNB]McCarthy, boss at Wolves,recalled how Given, 33, dealt withBonner's shadow at a time whenthe former Celtic keeper, his boyhoodhero, was in the squad. [LNB]McCarthy said: 'I gave Shay hisdebut in my first game in chargeat home to Russia and we gotmurdered. He was not replacing amug in goal, he was replacing Packie, a big man's shoes to fill,but, even though he was still ateenager when he made his debut,he was comfortable with that fromday one and just got on with it.[LNB]'I watched him in training fromhis first day and he was throwinghimself around, pulling off themost amazing saves and he's stillthe same to this day. He's beenabsolutely outstanding. [LNB]'Can youremember him having a bad game?[LNB][LNB]Landmark: Kevin Kilbane will complete his century of international caps on Wednesday[LNB]'I could never understand whyone of the big teams didn't comein for him because they were allwatching him. I think that Shay isthe best keeper in the PremierLeague and one of the best in theworld. [LNB]'I know he's become morevocal and one of the senior players,and that doesn't surprise me.He takes his football very seriouslyand playing for Ireland means theworld to him.[LNB]'He's an outstandingbloke who's a fantastic characterto have in your squad. Playerslook up to him and he sets such aterrific example with his attitude. I can't imagine anyone getting inthe team ahead of him, or anyonebeing better.[LNB]'He's always wantedto turn up, train like a demon andplay, no matter what the occasionor opposition. I wouldn't changehim for the world. When he made his debut on thatmiserable night at LansdowneRoad, there's no way any of uscould have predicted he wouldmake 100 appearances.[LNB]'And likeKevin, it's a wonderful achievementand thoroughly deserved. I'mproud of both of 'em.'[LNB][LNB]McCarthy also managed Kilbaneat Sunderland before he wasforced to sell him to Everton. Hesays the Preston-born Hull man,who has played in three differentpositions for Phil Brown, is knownas Mr Reliable. [LNB]The 32-year-old was substitutedor substitute for seven of his firsteight games but is now on anincredible run of 57 consecutivecompetitive starts since a play-offdefeat by Turkey in November1999.[LNB] McCarthy added: 'I rememberKevin's debut well, too. It'snot unfair to say he didn't havethe best of days against Iceland. Ibrought Mark Kennedy on for himat half-time and he got sent off,but we went on to win 4-2.[LNB]'He's been fantastic, and notonly did I love him but Brian Kerrloved him, Steve Staunton lovedhim and Giovanni Trapattoni ispicking him. Four internationalmanagers have picked him formore than 50 consecutivematches. [LNB]'That says all you need toknow about 'Killer'. [LNB] The way we were: Kilbane (left) and Given (right) with former Republic of Ireland skipper Kenny Cunningham in 2004[LNB]'He was an integral part of myteam and gave us the balancewhich made us hard to beat.Kevin was not a flighty, trickywinger but he was effective inother ways and never afraid todefend and put his shift in.[LNB]'He was just 'Mr Reliable' for me.And I know he's been the same forevery manager he's played for.We're talking about people likePeter Reid, Steve Bruce, DavidMoyes and Phil Brown.[LNB]'And you could not wish to meeta nicer bloke. Kevin has had hiscritics, but he thoroughly deservesthe recognition he's now getting.'[LNB][LNB]  Shay Given rues bad luck of the Irish after Italy's late leveller feels like a knockout blowRepublic of Ireland 2 Italy 2: Proud but heartbroken Irish can now rest key players for final qualifierRepublic of Ireland 2 Italy 2: Irish hearts are torn apartMANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail