SHAY GIVEN’S career hangs in the balance today after the news that he has been forced to take at least three months off and have surgery on his shoulder.
The Lifford star, one of Donegal’s greatest and much-loved sporting heroes, is now a major doubt for Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia in June.
And now there are fears that at 34, Given will find it difficult to bounce back from yet another set-back.
Given was back in Donegal last week at a presentation ceremony which he asked to be kept low-key as he has always sought not to seek publicity for such events.
However on a professional level this season has been the worst in his glittering career after Man City refused to sell him but kept him on the bench as cover for Joe Hart.
His manager Roberto Mancini said he has already accepted that the Donegal man will miss the rest of the season.
Shay has this problem in his shoulder and I think it needs three months to recover.
“He has the same injury that he had last year and I think he needs an operation. I am disappointed for him because we have lost a good goalkeeper,” he said.
The fact that the injury is the same injury as before means that there is the chance it will happened gain.
But having been capped for his country 110 times, Given will do all in his power to recover and pull on the green jersey again.
In all likelihood the Lifford man will leave Manchester City in the summer with a host of clubs enquiring about his services.
However his age and that niggling shoulder injury could leave some wondering whether to sign the shot-stopper.
Ends
