Originally Posted by
Jicked
Fact is Given, a very nice man I agree, has under numerous different managers always been included in friendly games we all know we don't need to see him in. The fact this has happened under numerous managers, all of whom you'd imagine would have liked to be able develop a subsitute keeper a bit more, for me adds weight to the rumours circulating from ex-players and in the media (just today the Irish Times reported that Kiely supposedly fell out with Given over Given denying chances to other keepers).
Shay needs to be told that from now on the squad strength in depth, and squad harmony is crucial, and will be helped hugely by him sitting out games such as Nigeria so we can develop some sort of experienced #2 keeper, which is vital considering Shay is now 33 and has had his share of injury trouble recently.