Given and Kilbane's 100th cap

**Murfinator** · 08/10/2009, 2:32 AM

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.

**SkStu** · 08/10/2009, 2:39 AM

Legends, both. True Irishmen, their blood runs green.

**as_i_say** · 08/10/2009, 8:31 AM

I'm picking up my Kilbane 100 Irish shirt next week

**Junior** · 08/10/2009, 9:20 AM

Great opening post - fully concur!!

**back of the net** · 08/10/2009, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by as_i_say

I'm picking up my Kilbane 100 Irish shirt next week

Yeah great opening post Murfinator - agree 1000% with what u say mate....legends ...both of them

was thinking of doing the same as u "as_i_say"....and if could be topped off by getting the great man to sign it.

Heres hoping that Givens and Kilbanes 100th cap is the game that qualifies us for the world cup

**StretchRyan** · 08/10/2009, 2:22 PM

One of the lads that was on our trip to the WC2002 got a bottle of whiskey specially done for Stan and brought it to their training camp in Cuito and
presented to him before his 100th cap against Germany or Saudi????

Was a really nice thing to do...

**Soccer Mom** · 08/10/2009, 2:23 PM

Originally Posted by back of the net

Heres hoping that Givens and Kilbanes 100th cap is the game that qualifies us for the world cup

What a thought - a truly fitting reward for two great Irish servants. I'm not sure that Kilbane will make it any further than the ton though. Given has plenty of open road ahead of him.

**seanfhear** · 08/10/2009, 2:25 PM

Well done to the two boys. I have great respect for these two guys for the way that they love playing for their country.

Irish people from around the world salute these two men.

I hope they get more caps at next years world cup.

**Bluebeard** · 08/10/2009, 2:48 PM

I'd personally quibble with the idea that Given will turn out to be our greatest ever player (can't see anyone topping McGrath as a servant to the nation), but the sentiment is bang on the mark. Thanks for bringing it up - I knew Killer was close, but I hadn't realised Given was on the verge too. I now feel very old having seen Given play U21 for Ireland when I was no longer eligible. According to wiki Kilbane has played 50 consecutive games for us, which is incredible if accurate

Fingers crossed they'll get another 10 or so before August next!

**tetsujin1979** · 08/10/2009, 3:35 PM

Originally Posted by Bluebeard

According to wiki he has played 50 consecutive games for us, which is incredible if accurate

Must be competitive games, he didn't play against South Africa

**eaststand85** · 08/10/2009, 3:57 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Must be competitive games, he didn't play against South Africa

Couldn't be competitive either surely, what about all that time he spent out with a perforated bowel? Wasn't that long ago was it or is the mind playing tricks on me in my old age!

**seanfhear** · 08/10/2009, 4:28 PM

Originally Posted by eaststand85

Couldn't be competitive either surely, what about all that time he spent out with a perforated bowel? Wasn't that long ago was it or is the mind playing tricks on me in my old age!

Actually that was a serious injury and Shay did well to come back as good as ever after it.

**Jicked** · 08/10/2009, 4:30 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Must be competitive games, he didn't play against South Africa

it's killer who's making 50 consecutive competitive starts, don't forget Wayne Henderson was in goal in San Marino !

**Metrostars** · 08/10/2009, 5:05 PM

Originally Posted by Soccer Mom

What a thought - a truly fitting reward for two great Irish servants. I'm not sure that Kilbane will make it any further than the ton though. Given has plenty of open road ahead of him.

Kilbane wants to keep on going. Fair play to him:

Originally Posted by Kilbane

"I've been asked that question so many times, you guys (media) have been asking me that since I was about 27 or 28 -- 'Am I going to retire?' You're probably telling me something aren't you! But I think it is, in general, the normal thing to do now, to retire (from international football) very early -- lads are retiring at 21 or 22 in our case aren't they!

"But, seriously though, lads are retiring very early and it is a shame, because we know that a lot of the big players have Champions League games and massive games at club level, but this is probably my Champions League when I come over here.

"I love coming in. I think even more so now, when you can reflect and look back with a little smile on your face," he continued.

"I know there have been times probably when I haven't performed or I've under-achieved a little bit, but I think, on the whole, my own philosophy is that there are worse things in life that can happen and do happen.

"So, you've got to just play with a smile on your face as much as you can. You've got to enjoy training, coming in and being around some of the players that we've got here, and I do, and to play at the stage that I have has been very fulfilling for me."

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...y-1907507.html

**Bluebeard** · 08/10/2009, 5:14 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Must be competitive games, he didn't play against South Africa

Originally Posted by eaststand85

Couldn't be competitive either surely, what about all that time he spent out with a perforated bowel? Wasn't that long ago was it or is the mind playing tricks on me in my old age!

Originally Posted by seanfhear

Actually that was a serious injury and Shay did well to come back as good as ever after it.

Sorry, my bad, operator error. It was Killer, and I should re-read posts when interrupted while writing them.

**SkStu** · 08/10/2009, 5:18 PM

lads are retiring at 21 or 22 in our case aren't they!

nice little dig there Killer - fair play!

**seanfhear** · 08/10/2009, 5:31 PM

Originally Posted by Metrostars

Kilbane wants to keep on going. Fair play to him:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...y-1907507.html

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.

**noddy102** · 08/10/2009, 5:39 PM

Originally Posted by seanfhear

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.

Hear, hear!

Quite possibly one of the most enthusiastic servants of the national football team I've ever seen.
He always plays with his heart and gives it his all for the team, and regardless of the times he has been poor or frustrating, you can never deny he hasn't tried his best.
He is a true professional, and when he is gone I hope people will hold him in a higher regard.

Shay Given does not need any mention - he is an absolute hero.

**twoenz** · 08/10/2009, 9:50 PM

It's brilliant to see Killer getting the 100 caps, representative of fans getting the honour. The feature in the Star today was interesting, saying that every time he's called up to a squad it's his equivalent of playing Champions League football.

He'll still be in the squad next campaign, and might get a game in midfield.