SHAY Given doesn’t like being a hero – he’d much rather have a quiet game whilst the rest of his side put the opposition under pressure.
But on Friday night at Lansdowne Road, the big Donegal man was the star of the show as Ireland drew 0-0 with Slovakia in the Euro 2012 qualifier.
But for his heroics, it might have been worse as Given pulled off several fine saves.
And at the other end Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne in the final seconds missed great opportunities to win it.
The team now travel to Moscow for Tuesday’s clash with Russia – and we need to win.
Last night Ireland looked nervous, giving the visitors control over midfield.
On our flanks, our own Aidan McGeady was double marked every time he did get the ball – and was given little support by his team mates.
Slovakia got the point they came for and they could have had all three but for Given and St Ledger. It was however a record sixth successive clean sheet.
Russia are next up for Ireland on Tuesday and on the evidence of this, Dick Advocaat’s side will be confident of victory and taking a major step towards qualification.
A late booking for St Ledger means he misses the trip to Moscow, giving Trapattoni a further problem ahead of a crucial tie.
Given did well to keep out Miroslav Stoch’s shot and a glancing header from Filip Holosko.
The FAI once again got it all wrong on ticket prices – with thousands of empty seats at Lansdowne Road (now named after an insurance company).
Republic of Ireland: 1 Given; 4 O’Shea, 2 St Ledger, 5 Dunne, 3 Ward; 7 McGeady, 6 Whelan, 8 Andrews, 11 Duff; 9 Doyle (18 Cox ’64), 10 Keane.
Subs not used: 16 Westwood, 12 Foley, 13 O’Dea, 14 Lawrence, 15 Hunt, 17 Keogh, 18 Cox.
Booked: Dunne, St Ledger.
Slovakia: 1 Mucha; 2 Pekarik, 3 Skrtel, 4 Durica, 5 Cech; 6 Karhan, 19 Kucka (21 Guede ’77); 17 Hamsik, 10 Stoch; 7 Weiss (18 Jendrisek ’85), 13 Holosko (11 Vittek ’88).
Subs not used: 12 Putnocky, 8 Jez, 9 Stesak, 14 Michalik.
Booked: Kucka, Skrtel.
Referee: Pedro Garcia (Portugal).
