Soccer
Shay: “I’m fine”
Shay Given says he'll be fit for the European Championships.
FROM CHRIS MCNULTY IN DUBLIN
SHAY Given has assured Republic of Ireland fans that he will be fit to face Croatia in their opening Euro 2012 game on June 10th.
The Lifford man hasn’t trained since last injuring his right knee in training last Monday.
However, a visit to Britain’s top knee specialist Andy Williams in London on Thursday confirmed that no serious damage was done – and the Irish ‘keeper hopes to return to training this Wednesday.
“Yeah, I’m okay. The specialist was happy with how I went on Thursday, so I’ll probably train in the middle of the week, hopefully,” said Given, after Ireland’s 1-0 friendly win over Bosnia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
“The scan was fine. There is a bit of swelling and stuff, but that’s all. There are no major problems with ligaments or anything.
“The swelling has come down so that is a good sign.
“I’ll see how it is. I’m in no rush. I’d like to get back in training.”
Having missed Saturday’s game in Dublin, Given could be in line to face Hungary next Monday in Budapest in the final friendly before the Euros. Yesterday, he was part of the party that left Dublin airport to travel to their training camp in Italy.
Given told the Donegal News: “I’d love to be training every day and playing of course, but sometimes you have to listen to your body.
“If the Euros had started today I could have played I think, so I’m not worried, no.
“I’m fine. It’s just bad timing obviously. These things happen sometimes.
“It was more getting a second opinion and a bit of peace of mind more than anything.
“I spoke to the guys here in Dublin and the guy in London. Both were singing off the same hymn sheet so that’s positive.”
Shane Long’s 78th minute header gave Ireland victory over Bosnia. After the game, it was confirmed that Keith Fahey had to withdraw from the Euros through injury with Paul Green taking his place.
And Giovanni Trapattoni has warned that senior players, like Given who have been injured, must also prove their fitness.
The Ireland manager said: “They will have to show us on Monday they are ready.”
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