BBC Sportfootball

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 19:26 GMT, Monday, 12 October 2009 20:26 UK

Trapattoni weighs up Given issue

WORLD CUP GROUP EIGHT QUALIFIER: Republic of Ireland v Montenegro
Venue: Croke Park Date: Wednesday, 14 October Kick off: 1900 BST
Coverage: Score updates on BBC Radio 5 live and text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobile phones. Live on Sky Sports 2.


Shay Given
Marco Tardelli says Given is the second best goalkeeper in the world

Giovanni Trapattoni is mulling over whether to keep Shay Given waiting for his 100th cap by resting him against Montenegro on Wednesday.

Republic of Ireland keeper Given, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady and Leon Best all have picked up one yellow card in the current qualifiers.

Cautions on Wednesday would put them out of next month's play-off first leg.

"Giovanni is thinking about that," said Republic assistant Marco Tardelli of the cautions issue on Monday.

Kevin Kilbane is also in line to bring up his century of Republic appearances on Wednesday.

Their achievement is one which has impressed even the much-decorated Tardelli.

He said: "I am very envious because I played only 85 matches for my team.

"They must be very proud to play 100 matches for their country."

Given has been a mainstay for his country since making his debut against Russia in March 1996, and Tardelli rates the Manchester City goalkeeper as the second best in the world behind Italy's Gianluigi Buffon.

"I have said many times that Shay is the second best goalkeeper in the world, that's my opinion. Italy's Gianluigi Buffon is first and after him, Shay Given."

Damien Duff was able to train with his team-mates once again on Monday after recovering from the calf injury which kept him out of the Italy game.

Midfielder Glenn Whelan is suspended for the Montenegro match after picking up a booking against Italy.

QPR's Martin Rowlands replaced Whelan late in Saturday's match and could start on Wednesday if Trapattoni opts not to tinker with the shape of his line-up - despite Duff's availability.



Print Sponsor


see also
Inexperience cost us - Trapattoni
10 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Rep of Ireland 2-2 Italy
10 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Who has qualified for South Africa 2010?
19 Nov 09 |  Internationals
Jury still out on Trap
08 Oct 09 |  Internationals
Pick your Rep of Ireland XI
05 Feb 07 |  Internationals


related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites