IRELAND ARE SET to be without one of their most experienced players in the Euro 2016 play-off matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina, after Stoke boss Mark Hughes effectively ruled Shay Given out of the games today.
With 133 caps, Given is second only to Robbie Keane in terms of experience, but the 39-year-old goalkeeper picked up an injury in his country’s 1-0 victory over Germany in the recent Euro 2016 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.
Given has failed to recover from the knock he picked up playing for Ireland, and is now set for surgery, with Hughes today confirming the goalkeeper would probably be unavailable for the Bosnia matches.
In more positive news, however, another Irish goalkeeper, Rob Elliot, started his third Premier League match in succession today, and earned a clean sheet as Newcastle drew 0-0 with Stoke.
Meanwhile, Darren Randolph — who replaced Given against Germany and is favourite to start in Bosnia — had to be content with a place on the bench, as West Ham lost 2-0 at Watford.
Legend but it’s not a blow he shouldn’t be in squad ahead of Westwood.. I think when Shay decided to sign for Stoke ahead of Boro and sit on the bench his Irish starting place should of been gone..
Maybe he thought he could beat jack but land to be first choice goalkeeper
Wasn’t going to happen he’s been through the same thing 5 years ago with Joe Hart and if Stoke didn’t play Jack they were risking losing one of best young keepers in England..
Randolph has looked really good since coming in.
Can’t understand why Westwood isn’t automatic first choice
Surely, you can’t be serious?
because that would make far too much sense
Westwood has played very poorly for Ireland, thought he left in some soft goals against Germany, he might be in decent form for club but that doesn’t always translate, sure look at the legend that was Gary Breen at the world cup and he without a club! Forde has been our best keeper in a green jersey in the last 5 years
Could never figure out why Forde was dropped in the first place , he was excellent for ireland
Hopefully he bows out at the euros and not the play off,Randolph,Westwood and Elliot are all well able even Forde.
It might not be music to some thumbs down warriors ears but Given is no loss what so ever. Should have stayed in international retirement.
It’s not much of a loss. He has be exactly inspired confidence since his return. Unfortunatly it’s not the same shay given as old
Rob Elliot also pickup up an injury today