Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that he spoke to Shay Given prior to Ireland’s international friendly clash with Slovakia last night.
Ireland were held 2-2 in an entertaining clash as O’Neill ran the rule over a number of players in the run-up to EURO 2016.
Ireland’s most capped player Shay Given has had his own injury problems of late, and has also found game time hard to come by.
However, an injury to Jack Butland, and his return to full fitness has paved the way for Given to return to the starting XI for Stoke City.
Given is also trying to force his way into O’Neill’s EURO 2016 plans.
O’Neill told the assembled press last night, “Shay came into the dressing room, I think he was doing some work for TV today.
“Obviously the injury to their keeper at Stoke has maybe hastened things on a little bit for him.
“He was down to play two games in relatively quick succession, but those plans may change now with Butland injured.
“He looked really well, I must admit, but seeing someone out in a suit and nicely dressed is a totally different issue to seeing someone out on the field of play.
“But he looked remarkably good, and thinks he’s ready for it now, which is great for us.”
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