Ben Blake reports from Versailles 

TWO DECADES HAVE passed since Shay Given made his senior debut in an Ireland shirt.

Back in March 1996, Mick McCarthy chose his first game as an international manager to hand a fresh-faced 19-year-old goalkeeper from Donegal his Ireland bow.

The result didn’t go the way of the home side as Russia came away from Lansdowne Road with a 2-0 win as Roy Keane received a red card for kicking an opponent.

But Given has gone to claim his place as the country’s greatest ever number one — amassing 134 caps, including appearances at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012.

And, having chose to hang up the green gloves after a disappointing showing in Poland, the veteran stopper is about to embark on a third major tournament.

Just last week, he broke John Giles’ record (19 years and 202 days) as the longest-serving player in Ireland’s history after starting in the 2-1 defeat to Belarus.

“Back in ’96, I was delighted to play one game for Ireland, so to think I am still here 20 years later is phenomenal,” Given said today.

It’s great to be here, great to be part of another major tournament and hopefully it’s a successful one.”

I don’t know if it’s good or bad when you’re the oldest player involved. I never set out to do that (break the record), I’m just delighted to be here.”

With Darren Randolph nailed on to start against Sweden in Monday’s Euro 2016 opener, Given finds himself as back-up to the West Ham man alongside Sheffield Wednesday’s Keiren Westwood.

Asked about his chances of featuring in France his month, Given was remaining diplomatic.

“In my position, there are three of us who want to start and there’s two in every other position really, so we are all eager to get the nod.”

Given between the sticks in 1996. © Billy SticklandINPHO © Billy SticklandINPHO

Not only is Given the oldest player, he’s also part of the squad with the oldest average age (29 years and 297 days) at the tournament.

The Stoke City stopper doesn’t believe that it’s necessarily a bad thing, however.

“We have got a good, experienced squad and we have got some young players coming through as well,” he says.

We might be the oldest squad at the tournament, but a few of us have been here before and I think that will stand us in good stead.”

But while Ireland aren’t exactly blessed with a raft of young stars breaking into the first team, Given did tip some of the current crop for bright futures.

“I don’t know what the starting XI is yet, but Jeff Hendrick in midfield is a big player for us,” the 40-year-old added. “He has a big future ahead of him.

“Robbie Brady as left-back as well and Shane Duffy, who’s a commanding centre-half. He has got into the squad now as well. These players will be around for a good few years.”

Given signs autographs for fans. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Over the years, there has been a noticeable shift in the levels of interaction between the Ireland players and their fans.

At Italia 90 and USA 94, both would mix freely in the team hotel and bars but these days the squad members live a much more secluded existence.

Given may not have been around for the Jack Charlton era, but he has witnessed the heightened levels of security around footballers and says there are positives and negatives to it.

“It’s probably good and bad because the fans probably think that we are maybe too big-time to speak to them, but it’s not the case at all,” he explains.

We are told by security and different people we have to stay in the one place and it’s a shame for the fans because they want pictures and mementos of meeting the players.

“It’s not the players’ doing, it’s the way the game has gone. But when we get a chance, here in Versailles or in Paris, the players are very hospitable and will do the best they can.”

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