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Page last updated at 13:01 GMT, Tuesday, 13 October 2009 14:01 UK

Skipper Given to earn 100th cap

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.


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Trapattoni says football is about results - not putting on a show

Shay Given will captain the Republic of Ireland as he wins his 100th cap in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro at Croke Park.

Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni considered whether to rest Given as the Manchester City keeper has picked up a yellow card in the campaign.

Another booking would rule Given out of next month's play-off first leg.

However, Trapattoni said on Tuesday that Given would be honoured with the captaincy in Wednesday's game.

Robbie Keane is the Republic's regular skipper.

But while Given will play, Trapattoni has decided that other regulars Aiden McGeady and Keith Andrews will not feature on Wednesday because they are on yellow cards.

With Glenn Whelan also suspended, Hibernian's Liam Miller and QPR's Martin Rowlands look likely to start in central midfield with Stephen Hunt and fit-again Damien Duff occupying the wide roles.

The Republic boss said that he had taken the decision to play Given because of the "lesser risk" of the goalkeeper picking up another caution.

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Given had also made clear to Trapattoni his desire to play on Wednesday.

Given, Andrews, McGeady and Leon Best all have picked up one yellow card in the current qualifiers.

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 Republic assistant boss Marco Tardelli.

"I am very envious because I played only 85 matches for my team," said Tardelli.

"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."



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see also
Lawrence aims to continue journey
12 Oct 09 |  Internationals
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


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