Shay proud to be playing for his country
SHAY Given doesn't understand players who don't grab the chance to play for their country with both hands.
As the debate over allegedly meaningless international friendlies rages on, the 32-year-old Newcastle goalkeeper will lead out the Republic of Ireland against Poland at Croke Park tonight as proud as the day he won his first cap.
Given said: "It's great to play for your country - I don't see why players don't want to play sometimes.
"For me, from day one since my first cap to my 91st cap, it's ever so special to play for your country.
"You want to finish your career and look back and think you did all you could to play for your country.
"It's a proud moment to pull on the shirt for Ireland, and that will never change."
More than 12 years after collecting his first cap against Russia, Given has been handed the armband by manager Giovanni Trapattoni in the absence of the injured Robbie Keane.
The Italian had little hesitation in giving the job to his goalkeeper - a man he has on more than one occasion compared favourably to his compatriot Gianluigi Buffon.
Given said: "From a man like Mr Trapattoni, it is a great honour for him to say such words because Gianluigi Buffon is known as one of the best goalkeepers in the world
"To be mentioned even in the same sentence as him is a great honour for me."
Tonight's game will be Ireland's last before they resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against Georgia in February, and Trapattoni will take the opportunity to hand the likes of Caleb Folan, Darron Gibson and Andy Keogh crucial experience.
Given said: "It's a friendly, so I am hoping the lads can express themselves a little bit more and enjoy the game because there is not the big pressure of a World Cup qualifying game.
"They can maybe go out and perform with a little bit less pressure."
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Weather for South Shields
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
