SHAY GIVEN TOOK no part in the Republic of Ireland’s final training session at their Italian base in Montecatini but manager Giovanni Trapattoni immediately played down fresh fears over his goalkeeper’s fitness.
Given sat out this morning’s work with “blisters” officially, and Trap insisted that the big man from Donegal has recovered from his recent knee problem and will be fit to face Hungary on Monday.
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The friendly in Budapest will give the Italian one last chance to assess his players’ fitness before departing for Poland and next Sunday’s opening Group C game against Croatia.
All eyes will be on Given, who only returned to training on Thursday after 10 days on the sidelines, and John O’Shea who has struggled with an ankle injury picked up on the final day of the Premier League season.
As the squad prepare to decamp for Sopot via Budapest, Trapattoni declared himself pleased with the work achieved during the week.
“This morning we finish a beautiful week and we are very happy,” he told Today FM. “I said also to the players, ‘thanks a lot for your attitude and attention.’
We have a good time, we have good weather. We have also very good atmosphere in Montecatini.
Ireland play Hungary on Monday evening with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm Irish time.
Given sits out Ireland's final session in Montecatini
SHAY GIVEN TOOK no part in the Republic of Ireland’s final training session at their Italian base in Montecatini but manager Giovanni Trapattoni immediately played down fresh fears over his goalkeeper’s fitness.
Given sat out this morning’s work with “blisters” officially, and Trap insisted that the big man from Donegal has recovered from his recent knee problem and will be fit to face Hungary on Monday.
The friendly in Budapest will give the Italian one last chance to assess his players’ fitness before departing for Poland and next Sunday’s opening Group C game against Croatia.
All eyes will be on Given, who only returned to training on Thursday after 10 days on the sidelines, and John O’Shea who has struggled with an ankle injury picked up on the final day of the Premier League season.
As the squad prepare to decamp for Sopot via Budapest, Trapattoni declared himself pleased with the work achieved during the week.
“This morning we finish a beautiful week and we are very happy,” he told Today FM. “I said also to the players, ‘thanks a lot for your attitude and attention.’
Ireland play Hungary on Monday evening with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm Irish time.
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Blisters Euro 2012 Euro2012 Giovanni Trapattoni Montecatini Republic of Ireland Soccer Shay Given