SHAY Given has admitted he was surprised how long his recent injury kept him out of football – but insists he is ready for Ireland’s forthcoming internationals.
Given hurt himself in the warm-up ahead of a Europa League tie in February, an injury that kept him out for a number of weeks and saw him miss Ireland’s Euro 2012 home qualifier with Macedonia in March.
“I thought it was minor,” he said.
“I didn’t even think I needed an operation until I got the scan. So I always thought I’d get back before the end of the season, I knew that it wasn’t a big thing in comparison to the other shoulder (which he dislocated last year).”
After spending most of this season on the bench, the Lifford man admits that he is welcoming the chance of some game time for his country in the upcoming Carling Nations Cup.
“I haven’t played enough football so the chance to play two games and the training around it will be of great benefit to me. I don’t feel match-sharp playing with Ireland if I’ve not had so many games, and I have to be as ready as possible for Macedonia.”
Damien Duff is injured for the Euro 2012 clash with Macedonia on June 4, while Richard Dunne ruled out through suspension, so Given accepts that his experience will be needed in Skopje.
“Richard is a huge loss,” admitted Given. “He’s been one of our best players the last few years. He’s a big leader at the back, and it’s a big loss for us. They showed in Dublin that they’re a good team, so it’s a massive test for us.
“I suppose, for the experience side of things, it’s probably important that I’m there.”
Shay – the ultimate professional – is refusing to discuss possible new clubs in the summer.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Celtic have all been linked with him in recent weeks.
