Given and Kilbane's 100th cap

[drummerboy]

What an example for young players. What he lacks for in skill, he makes up for with workrate. His attitude is so, so refreshing in these days of overpaid spoilt brats who play in the premership. I've been watching Ireland for a long long time and I don't think I've ever seen a more dedicated player in the green shirt.

[twoenz]

For Kilbane to reach 100 is more amazing the more you think about it. Given the fact that he's only played in 1 major tournament, has never had a settled position, and never would have been the first name on the team sheet it's amazing. Beckham got his 100 by being involved in World Cup 1998, 2002 & 2006, as well as Euro 2000 and 2004. Apt comparison since they both made their first team bows at Preston North End. There are only 152 men to have played 100 or more games for their country. Pretty amazing to be in the same group as Pat Jennings, Cafu, Lothar Mattheus, and of course, the daddy of them all: Mohammed Al-Daeyea

[Mise Le Mas]

Oh yes, the legend of Saudi Arabia Capped 181 times, F'ing amazing?

[noddy102]

Let us not forget the two FIFA 100 list players:

Michelle Akers - 153 caps and 105 goals.
Mia Hamm - 275 caps and 158 goals.

[paul_oshea]

Dont you mean Mohammed Al-Deayea?

Oh ya saudi arabia the power house of world football. Remember that 40+ yarder at usa 94 that managed to find its way into the net?

[sligofan4ever]

It doesn't happen very happen, in fact Stan is the only one who ever such a feat and all going well both these lads will pick up theirs on Wednesday so I think they deserve some recognition!

For me Given has another couple of campaigns in him and could probably go to 150 and beyond caps, but when he finally calls time I think he'll remembered as arguably the greatest ever Irish player.

Kilbane, well a sad fact is that potentially if we were to lose both games Kilbane would likely never play for us again which is a shocking thought to contemplate but I think given his age and how he appears to be on his last legs in the top flight in england it'd be the right thing to do. He'll be remembered for very different reasons to Given, not for his dazzling talent but for his world class effort and spirit. I don't know about you but I always feel like pumping my fist in the air when he wins a crucial header or a free-kick after which he'll display that wry smile.

Both very different players, one the benchmark for talent, the other for spirit. And both deserving of the honor.

.....................................


Seriously though, I hope Given has a great 100th cap, hes been great in every game hes played for us and despite injury problems, it makes it all the more better that hes made it this far.

[tetsujin1979]

Dont you mean Mohammed Al-Deayea?

Oh ya saudi arabia the power house of world football. Remember that 40+ yarder at usa 94 that managed to find its way into the net?

owiran I think was his name, immortalised in a sketch on Fantasy Football "oh, I ran the length of the pitch"

[Bluebeard]

owiran I think was his name, immortalised in a sketch on Fantasy Football "oh, I ran the length of the pitch"

The name Said Owairain will forever be etched on my heart for this reason.

[noddy102]

Looks like Trap may not start Shay on Wednesday, since he has a yellow card.

So we may have to wait until the first playoff for his 100th cap.

[SuperDave]

Looks like Trap may not start Shay on Wednesday, since he has a yellow card.

So we may have to wait until the first playoff for his 100th cap.

I do not have a problem with that.... you never know what could happen, slipshod defending leading to a man clean through on goal, a mistimed claim for the ball..... best to leave him out. He will get 100 caps, so who cares if it is on wednesday or not?

[noddy102]

I do not have a problem with that.... you never know what could happen, slipshod defending leading to a man clean through on goal, a mistimed claim for the ball..... best to leave him out. He will get 100 caps, so who cares if it is on wednesday or not?

I'm just spreading the news to this wonderful forum here.

Westwood deserves a competitive cap.

Also, it will be good for Shay to make his 100th cap during the playoffs. Might give us an edge, in the sense that he may be even more keen to keep a clean sheet.

[old git]

Zenidine Kilbane may not be one of the best players that has played for Ireland but he is one of the best Men ever to have played for Ireland.

well said .. well earned & deserved 100 caps next week

[old git]

nice little dig there Killer - fair play!

nice one indeed if only the certain young player had half of kilbane's pride in playing for his country

[backstothewall]

Looks like Trap may not start Shay on Wednesday, since he has a yellow card.

So we may have to wait until the first playoff for his 100th cap.

Congratulations to both when they get their century. Richly deserved in both cases.

However they are both on a booking, and should both have got booked in the dieing minutes on Saturday, as should Keith Andrews. If either picks up a booking in the first leg of the playoff we are without them for the second leg.

Playing either on Wednesday would be suicide. It would also be good to see other options in both positions. Wednesday is no more than a glorified friendly at this stage.