Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Given brushes off criticism

28 Mar 2007 - 12:24:18

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has brushed off criticism from former international colleague Roy Keane concerning his appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team.

Given will equal Packie Bonner's 80-cap goalkeeping record when he captains the Republic against Slovakia in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier.

However, his achievement failed to impress Keane, who hit out at the Magpies keeper for 'having an agenda'.

The Sunderland boss said: "I think players have agendas - certain players come over all the time no matter what.

"Maybe they want to get 50 or 100 caps and a pat on the back for it. I think Shay's one of those ones - he wants to get 200 caps."

But Given has shrugged off the criticism from the former Republic of Ireland captain claiming he is more bothered about representing his country that Keane's comments.

"I haven't read his comments, but I have got wind of them and I don't really want to comment on every single positive or negative remark personally," said Given.

"But once upon a time, players got stick for not wanting to play for their country. Now, you get stick if you do. It's a no-win situation.

"Personally, I will be as proud to win my 80th cap as I was to win my first.

"There's personal pride in that and I want as many caps as possible. If that's so wrong, then so be it."