Shay Given

[DannyInvincible]

'Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert: Dropping Shay Given was vindicated': http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2012/09/03/3350962/aston-villa-boss-paul-lambert-says-the-decision-to-drop-shay


Lambert admitted that Given had been “disappointed” when informed, but said it was the “right decision for the club.”

“Any decision to leave anybody out is tough. Shay is a world-class goalkeeper and has been for 15 years. But I made a decision and the two saves that Brad made, one in the first half and the free-kick at the end, were world class,” Lambert told the Daily Mirror.

“It took a wonder goal to peg us back. But the way Brad was playing it would have to be something like that to beat him.”

The Lifford born shot-stopper has experienced a dip in form over the past few months and announced his international retirement in August after playing a record 125 times for the Boys in Green.

“I spoke to Shay and he was disappointed," added Lambert. "It has not changed my opinion of him. I think it is the right decision. You can’t have favouritism. I need everyone. Not just one or two players.

"I value them the same as each other. You need team spirit and collectiveness, and fans turning up to support us," concluded the Aston Villa boss.

[Murfinator]

Guzan conceded 4 and gave away a penalty today. Not sure how at fault he was for all those but from the sounds of things it'll re-raise the issue of their starting keeper.

[Manblue]

Guzan conceded 4 and gave away a penalty today. Not sure how at fault he was for all those but from the sounds of things it'll re-raise the issue of their starting keeper.


Wasn't at fault for any of the first 3, shocking play by the defence, would be very harsh if shay got back in on his performance today, Guzan was one of their best players

[DannyInvincible]

How did Clark do in the centre of that defence? Reportedly, he was doing well initially, but I'd read that before Villa conceded the four goals.

[Manblue]

How did Clark do in the centre of that defence? Reportedly, he was doing well initially, but I'd read that before Villa conceded the four goals.

He did ok, solid in the first half but villa fell apart in the second half, their full backs were non existent and they got no protection from midfield so him and vlaar were getting fairly hammered.

I wouldn't say his performance is worthy or reflective of that result.

[DannyInvincible]

He did ok, solid in the first half but villa fell apart in the second half, their full backs were non existent and they got no protection from midfield so him and vlaar were getting fairly hammered.

I wouldn't say his performance is worthy or reflective of that result.

I see he was credited with an own goal on 72 minutes.

[Murfinator]

How did Clark do in the centre of that defence? Reportedly, he was doing well initially, but I'd read that before Villa conceded the four goals.

Whats being said on villatalk seems to be in line with what manblue said. Fullbacks were awful and left Vlaar and Clark exposed. Most of them remained unconvinced about him but it doesn't sound like he was the primary culprit at least.

Stephen Ireland appears to be their perennial man of the match over there, sounds like his talents are going wasted with the poor quality of midfield/attacking players around him.

[Grafter]

Watching 41 and a half year old Brad Friedel tear it up for Spurs today against QPR. Not sure if Given can aspire to such longevity though... seems fanciful to think he'll still be playing then.... gives the impression both his body and confidence are being held together by sellotape these days...

[Fixer82]

Ah give him a break, he had more pressing things on his mind.....All-Ireland!

[DannyInvincible]

Shay starting for Villa tonight in their League Cup quarter-final fixture away to Norwich.

[tetsujin1979]

no sign of Stephen Ireland, not sure what to read into that. Hoolahan missing for Norwich too.

[SwanVsDalton]

Didn't see the game but Shay got some very poor notices on Villa Talk during the game, said he looked very shaky on crosses and indecisive. However he apparently made one absolutely outstanding save to keep the game at 1-1.

[Paddy Garcia]

Watching 41 and a half year old Brad Friedel tear it up for Spurs today against QPR. Not sure if Given can aspire to such longevity though... seems fanciful to think he'll still be playing then.... gives the impression both his body and confidence are being held together by sellotape these days...

He needs somewhere to get some match practice - I guess if we had some B team games scheduled it would help.

[Stuttgart88]

R5 Live referred to him as a liability last night.

[DannyInvincible]

Shay is considering a return to international football: http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2012/12/30/3637342/aston-villa-goalkeeper-shay-given-set-for-international


The former Newcastle and Manchester City shot-stopper wrote, in his weekly column, that he 'missed' playing for the Boys in Green and refused to rule out a return to the international game.

And Giovanni Trapattoni is 'very happy' that the 36-year-old custodian, who boasts a record 125 international caps, is open to the idea of coming out of retirement.

"I am very happy that Shay has got over the disappointment of the Euros and would be happy to see him available again," Trapattoni told the Irish Sun. "I will be in touch with him to discuss it shortly."

[DannyInvincible]

A bit more on this from the Sun: http://www.thesun.co.uk/irishsol/homepage/sport/irishfootball/4717235/Shay-Given-is-ready-to-return-to-international-action.html


SHAY GIVEN is keen to talk to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni about a return to the international fold.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper, 36, is ready to hold discussions with Trap less than five months after his retirement.

A source close to the player told SunSport: “It is something on Shay’s mind and he is open to the idea of an Ireland comeback. He has always wondered if it was right to go after the Euros and he would be interested in talking to Giovanni Trapattoni.

“If the manager wants him back, then it is something that could happen.”

Currently out of favour at club level, Given is willing to reconsider his decision to quit after the Euro 2012 finals.

SunSport can also reveal that the 125-times capped Given could return for the February friendly against Poland at the Aviva.

That would push him back into the frame for the vital World Cup qualifier away to Sweden in March.

Given’s replacement Keiren Westwood has already been warned by Trapattoni about his lack of first-team football at Sunderland.

Donegal-born Given is in the same boat at Villa but could go on loan when the transfer window opens next week.

If he stays with the Premier League club, he will have a Capital One Cup semi-final to look forward to having played in all games in the competition this season.

The former Ireland captain won his last cap in the Euro 2012 defeat to Italy, the third of three straight losses at the finals.

His form in Poland was hampered by a knee injury picked up in the training camp in Italy weeks before the tournament.

Kevin Kilbane also supportive of a return: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254331/Kevin-Kilbane-column-time-Shay-Given-Villa-team.html


Aston Villa conceded 12 goals in two games over Christmas.

It’s time for Paul Lambert to play Shay Given.

Shay Given should be Villa’s No 1, and he should come back to play for the Republic of Ireland and fight Keiren Westwood for the right to play for his country again.

It has been a difficult 2012 for my old Ireland team-mate who struggled with injuries, and by his own admission didn’t match his own high standards in the Euro 2012 finals, probably because he wasn’t fully fit.

He then gave up playing for Ireland, with the backing of new manager Paul Lambert, to concentrate on his Villa career, only to lose his place to Brad Guzan.

Shay is fully fit now, and still hungry to play.

Brad Guzan is not in his league as a keeper and it is time the Villa boss realised it and brought Shay’s brilliance, determination and experience back to his team.

He needs him.

This surprises me, to be honest. Shay sought to focus on his club career but obviously that's not going so well for him now. Of course he'd miss playing for us, especially when he can't even get regular football at club level, but this has a hint of desperation to it. People can blame a dip in form on the knee injury, but his ability/agility is also on the wane and he was poor for Villa recently despite being fully fit, judging by reports. If he does decide to return, would he be our best goalkeeping option? It's difficult to tell. Would it be progressive to revert back to relying on an old Shay or should we be focusing on ensuring our future options are getting game-time? I think he'd be good to have around the set-up as his experience and knowledge would be invaluable for the other keepers; I'm just not sure if he's the Shay he once was. Maybe he'll prove me wrong...

[nigel-harps1954]

I'm not so sure it's a good idea. Bunn or Westwood are better options at the minute.

[Colbert Report]

The international team is going nowhere anyway. We owe it to Shay to take him back if that's what he chooses to do.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Shay Given isn't owed a starting place in the team anymore. He's a been a great servant, but his best days are long behind him and he should be judged on his form right now. I can't see how he is a better option than Westwood going forward. I think Ireland should be cutting the cord more with this older generation of players.

[Colbert Report]

Westwood hasn't played a single minute of a single match in the Premiership this season and yet he's more deserving of a place in our team than the greatest goalkeeper we've ever produced and are ever likely to produce at any point in any of our lives?

[Noelys Guitar]

Had a terrible euro's and can't get into a team that has conceded 15 goals in their last three games. The only way Given should return is on merit. He would have to get back into the Aston Villa starting 11 and show he has returned to form. Obviously Lambert has seen no recent improvement in his firm otherwise he would be starting for Villa.

[back of the net]

Westwood hasn't played a single minute of a single match in the Premiership this season and yet he's more deserving of a place in our team than the greatest goalkeeper we've ever produced and are ever likely to produce at any point in any of our lives?

Greatest keeper we have ever produced...Agreed.


But unfortunately his time seems to have past due to his age.
Westwood while he may not be playing regular first team football has time( Age 28) on his side and this of course is a huge benefit.

I would choose a benched westwood over a benched shay given to start in goals for Ireland at the moment.

Given's automatic selection for Ireland is now a thing of the past and despite his legend status he has to prove that he can still do a job for us after his dramatic dip in form which has resulted in a dire euros and him losing his first team place with the Villa.

[back of the net]

The international team is going nowhere anyway. We owe it to Shay to take him back if that's what he chooses to do.

Probably the most ridiculous post I have read on here in quite awhile, sorry Colbert

[Bungle]

I think his time as an international goalie has passed, but I would love to see him along with Richard Dunne, Keano and Duffer come back to the League of Ireland and give a bit of their wisdom to the younger domestic players.

[Hibs4Ever]

Probably the most ridiculous post I have read on here in quite awhile, sorry Colbert



No "probably" about it

[ifk101]

As of now, is Westwood a better goalie than Given? I don't think you can answer that question will any level of certainty so I'd welcome Given back as, if anything, it would add competition for places that currently isn't really there.

[brine3]

Paddy Kenny is playing regular first team football and has been for years now. He should be our first choice, no questions asked.

I don't know what Westwood has done to earn a place ahead of Kenny.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Except he retired and a better back-up than first choice IMO.

[brine3]

He retired temporarily when he was going through a divorce, but for the last four years he has made it known that he is available for an international call-up.

Why would Kenny be better back-up than first-choice? What has Westwood done to warrant first-choice status? Kenny has 12 solid seasons as a first choice club keeper. Westwood is on the bench at Sunlun.

[boovidge]

And both Kenny and Westwood are less deserving of a start than Mark Bunn. So thanks for the memories Shay but we need to look to the future, especially as realistically our next hope of a finals appearance is in 3 and a half years time.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I'd give a Kenny a shot if he was interested. Consistent playing time is so important.

[ArdeeBhoy]

But that's the point. I don't think he is. Like Dean Kiely he got sick of waiting.

Though I'm willing to stand to be corrected.

[Grafter]

There comes a point when you begin to lose what made you great in the first place. It happens to us all. However, it can be along time down the road before we are willing to accept this. In Shay's mind, he has probably convinced himself that what happened in the Euros was down to lingering injuries as opposed to waning powers.

One thing I noticed before the Euro's was Shay's participation in the media roundabout... there was an appearance on Match of the Day 2 followed by a Late Late Appearance.... I found those appearances surprising on the eve of a major tournament, perhaps a lack of focus dare I say?

Shay always seemed a nice guy but is this latest return down to "ego"? I know Shay comes from an agricultural background in Lifford and in my books he has become a bit of a "sacred cow" over the years.

I for one would be wary of seeing an ageing "national institution" in goal against the Swedes and Austrians over a younger keeper.

P.S. can we put Paddy Kenny for Ireland to bed once and for all please :rolleyes:

[dr_peepee]

"You either die a Hero or Live long enough to become a villain.".... He should stay retired. He'll only tarnish his legacy.

[Colbert Report]

Fickle, fickle fans. The team is going nowhere, and we all know it. There is zero chance we qualify for the world cup in Brazil, zero. I can understand the argument for starting Mark Bunn or Paddy Kenny based on the fact that they're both actually playing each week, but Westwood? C'mon! How can anyone here say with a straight face that he's a better goalkeeper at the present moment than Shay Given?

[Grafter]

"You either die a Hero or Live long enough to become a villain.".... He should stay retired. He'll only tarnish his legacy.
Nicely put Harvey ;)

[SkStu]

Fickle, fickle fans. The team is going nowhere, and we all know it. There is zero chance we qualify for the world cup in Brazil, zero. I can understand the argument for starting Mark Bunn or Paddy Kenny based on the fact that they're both actually playing each week, but Westwood? C'mon! How can anyone here say with a straight face that he's a better goalkeeper at the present moment than Shay Given?

So if we have zero chance (and I totally agree with you there) then it makes far more sense to use the remainder to blood other options, whether they're playing regularly or not, whether Shay is currently better than the other options or not (which is hugely debatable at the moment).

[Murfinator]

Our goalkeeper situation is in a mess right now, Westwood has not impressed and if he doesn't seek an immediate move out of Sunderland this window then he doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the team. Given refused to sit on the Man City bench and win EPL medals so he could be at his best for us, Westwood is seemingly happily sitting on the bench of a side in a relegation fight. He can **** off if that's his attitude, he's been less than impressive so far.

Given the choice between an experienced and talented goalkeeper not currently getting gametime and an inexperienced, unproven goalkeeper not currently getting gametime you'd need your head examined to not side with Given.

[Fixer82]

He hasn't had a good game really since Moscow. He should stay retired and save himself the grief and pain of us not qualifying for Brazil and him, possible, playing a part in it. He should stay retired and stay a legend!

[ArdeeBhoy]

Apart from the use of his surname, can people refrain in this thread from using the word 'given' please, as it's a tad confusing...

;)

[squareball]

He was playing poorly long before the Euros but we didn't really pick up on it because of his status as a legend. He was our best ever keeper and one of the best in the PL for a good 7 or 8 seasons. He needs first team football if he is to come back. At the moment I can't see him getting a game at any PL team so to continue playing he will have to drop down to Championship level. We should be looking forward to Westwood, Bunn, Randolph and Stephan Henderson. But all these lads need to be playing first team football.

[Manblue]

there is no way in hell shay should be playing ahead of Guzan....after stopping 5 one on ones in 30 mins today


Could probably get a run outfield though:)

[the bear]

If Forester gets snapped up by a bigger club could see Given going to Celtic.

Sad decline for an player who was excellant for Ireland for a long long time. I think he really needs to sort out his club footbal before considering making an international comeback

[Crosby87]

It's a given given plays in MLS methinks.

[geysir]

If Forester gets snapped up by a bigger club could see Given going to Celtic.

Sad decline for an player who was excellant for Ireland for a long long time. I think he really needs to sort out his club footbal before considering making an international comeback
Shay signed a 5 year contract with Villa, on a salary rumoured to be £3m p/a.
Sentiment only goes so far.

[the bear]

Thats a ridiculous contract length to give someone his age, maybe Crosby is right with the MLS. A loan in jan would be good for him at the least.

[Colbert Report]

MLS clubs don't take players on loan under any circumstances, so there's absolutely no way he ends up playing there on that kind of pay packet.

[Charlie Darwin]

MLS clubs do take players on loan but I'm fairly sure they were just saying any loan in January is preferable.

[Colbert Report]

MLS clubs do take players on loan but I'm fairly sure they were just saying any loan in January is preferable.

I could well be mistaken, but I'm almost certain that the MLS do not allow players to be loaned to any of their franchises. Can you give me an example from the last couple of years of a player that has been loaned out to a MLS team?

[Charlie Darwin]

I could well be mistaken, but I'm almost certain that the MLS do not allow players to be loaned to any of their franchises. Can you give me an example from the last couple of years of a player that has been loaned out to a MLS team?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Augusto