SHAY GIVEN BELIEVES that the door should be left open for in-form players to make late bids for a spot in Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad.

Speaking in Dublin yesterday ahead of next week’s friendly with the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Rd, Ireland’s goalkeeper said that while the backbone of Giovanni Trapattoni’s team is in place, he feels there is room for a couple of additions, if necessary.

The Italian talked in January about staying loyal to those who played a part in getting Ireland to the European Championships for what will be the country’s second appearance at the finals, and although Sunderland’s James McClean was brought in after the initial squad was announced, there were no other newcomers.

“The manager picks the team but from a personal point of view, I wouldn’t be one to say ‘these guys got us there so they all deserve to go’ and I think there’s space for one or two,” Given said after being unveiled as Carlsberg Ireland’s official Euro 2012 ambassador yesterday.

“The nucleus of the squad has already been picked but if a player like McClean keeps firing goals in then I think the manager will find it hard not to squeeze him in.”

The talented winger has scored four goals during some impressive performances for Sunderland in the early parts of 2012 and has become something of a cult hero already in his short Premier League career.

And Given, who has 120 senior caps for Ireland, has backed the Derry native to shine.

“He’s been fantastic since came from nowhere and burst onto the scene. A lot was made about the fact that he wasn’t in the squad but now he’s there and he will be wanting to impress the manager and the lads.

“He does look a really good player but we don’t want to put too much pressure on his shoulders. Hopefully, he just keeps going the way he’s going.”

The inclusion of McClean and Derby midfielder Paul Green has increased the size of the 24-man panel by two, meaning if that was the one Trap wanted to bring to Poland, three players would need to be omitted.

Dunne deal

However, Given said: “Anything can happen with injuries a month before and I don’t think a door should be closed on any player.”  His Aston Villa team-mate Richard Dunne is currently recovering from a fractured collarbone he sustained in a heavy fall during the defeat to Manchester City and faces eight weeks on the sidelines.

The former Newcastle United stopper is upbeat about Dunne’s chances of lining out against Croatia in Poznan on June 10 though.

“Speaking to the club doctor, I think he’ll be alright. He’s had a pretty big operation on his shoulder, which they’ve pinned. We all know how strong Dunney is anyway, so even if the bone doesn’t heal properly he’ll still be playing.

“Hopefully he’ll be fit towards the end of April and ideally gets a few Premier League games before the summer.”

The fear of being injured in the run-up to a major tournament is one which haunts players but 35-year-old insists that thinking too much about it isn’t worth while.

Given in action with Aston Villa this season. Pic: Steve Drew/EMPICS Sport

“Well you do but you can’t go into games thinking like that. You’ve got to go in full-hearted. If this had happened Dunney in May then he would’ve missed the European Championships and that would’ve been very hard to take.”

On the finals themselves, Given can’t wait to get going. He added: “I think about it everyday. You’re training and playing games for Aston Villa but in the back of your mind you remember that the Euros coming up.”

Carlsberg, official beer to the Irish football team and UEFA Euro 2012TM, have announced that Republic of Ireland Goalkeeper Shay Given will be their new UEFA Euro 2012 Ambassador. Check out the Carlsberg Ireland Football Facebook page for a chance to win prizes and special access to the UEFA EURO trophy and exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ content from the YBIG trip to Poland and the Republic of Ireland camp.

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