Record is a Given for Shay
Lifford's Shay Given will break the Republic of Ireland's appearance record when he skippers the side in tonight's international friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Thirty-three-year-old Given, (pictured right) along with Kevin Kilbane, will earn his 103rd international cap against the Brazilians at Arsenal's stadium after Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed both men will start with yesterday's team announcement.
"I don't feel it is time yet," Given said when queried about whether he plans to hang up his gloves in international football. "But it will be coming along soon enough. I don't know when. We will go through the qualifying campaign and then maybe have a look at it after that.
"A lot will depend on Manchester City as well, if we can get into the Champions League, and a lot more games. You never know what is round the corner but at the minute I feel good and raring to go.
"I am proud to play for my country, always have been and always will be, so I will be there for them if needed. I know I will come to an end but I have a couple of years left in me."
Given earned his first cap in 1996 against Russia at Lansdowne Road in a game that began Mick McCarthy's tenure as Ireland manager. The highlight of the former Newcastle United netminder's career, to date, was the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan when Ireland reached the last 16 before eventually losing to Spain on penalties. Tonight, Given and Kilbane will beat Stephen Staunton's previous record of 102 caps, which was set eight years ago.
Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy did not train on Sunday because of an ankle injury picked up after a heavy challenge from Birmingham City's Liam Ridgewell over the weekend, but he remains in line to win a first cap, despite a last ditch attempt from new Scotland manager to have the player declare for his native Scotland.
"Scotland never chose me," McCarthy said on Sunday. "I wasn't good enough. Ireland picked me in their (youth) squads. (Irish underage manager) Sean McCaffrey picked me in those squads and I was delighted and all my family are happy with it."
Ireland team: Shay Given; Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Sean St Ledger, Kevin Kilbane; Liam Lawrence, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Damien Duff; Leon Best, Kevin Doyle.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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