YOU just know he was awestruck – you can see it in this picture.
For most people meeting Shay Given is a star-studded experience.
But when Shay met Tom Hanks in America, you could see the Donegal man was blown away.
In fact Shay described this moment thus: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”
Actor Hanks attended a match between Aston Villa and US team Portland Timbers at their home stadium in Portland, Oregon.
We’re not sure if Shay is a heavy metal fan – but he also got to meet legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Geezer Butler.
But he does know Hanks is a Villa fan and was even given the chance to give Shay and his fellow players a team talk before kick-off!
Said the double Oscar winner: “I don’t know what to say to guys before they go out and play a match! I know it’s a friendly match, but I think all those guys were thinking, ‘Man, I better play good today otherwise I’m not going to get much playing time later on in this season.’ So they’re all under a lot of pressure – I don’t know what they need a chucklehead like me down there for! But (they’re) nice guys… anytime they’ll put up with me, I appreciate their patience.”
The game ended at 2-2, but Aston Villa went on to win 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.
Lifford man Shay is looking forward to Premiership season which kicks off in just three weeks.