Given returns to Ireland squad
Shay Given on the verge of full fitness again
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Tuesday, 07, Nov 2006 03:50
Shay Given has handed Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder and Ireland coach Steve Staunton a huge lift today by declaring he is nearly back to full fitness.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been sidelined since September after sustaining a stomach injury in a collision with West Ham striker Marlon Harewood.
He has, however, been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's Euro 2008 group D qualifying clash against San Marino at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.
And Staunton has received further boosts from the news that Given's Magpies teammate Stephen Carr - who missed out the last two games because of a hamstring problem - is also back in contention as are Andy O'Brien, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Ireland, Kevin Doyle and Stephen Elliott.
"It is good to have so many of the players who missed the game against the Czech Republic back," said Staunton.
"But the young players who played so well that night have ensured that I will have serious choices to make when it comes to selecting the team."
He added: "This will be a special game for us. I know our fans will generate the same fantastic atmosphere and superb support that they delivered in the last game so it should be a night to remember."
Republic of Ireland squad for match against San Marino:
Given (Newcastle United), Henderson (Brighton), Colgan (Barnsley); Carr (Newcastle United), Finnan (Liverpool), McShane (West Brom), Dunne (Manchester City), Kelly (Birmingham), O'Brien (Portsmouth); Douglas (Leeds), Carsley (Everton), McGeady (Celtic), Duff (Newcastle United), Kilbane (Wigan Athletic), O'Shea (Manchester United), Quinn (Sheffield United), Reid (Charlton Athletic), Ireland (Manchester City); Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Doyle (Reading), Lee (Ipswich), Elliott (Sunderland), Morrison (Crystal Palace)