Shay on motd 3 on the beeb website, general thoughts on euros. If u ask me, sounds like he'll be around for another campaign
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17511306
Does seem like Shay could stick around for the World Cup qualifiers. The fact that he penned a 5 years contract with Villa last summer demonstrates the longevity he intends to apply to his career.
To be honest I get the impression from that piece, he is going to call it a day after the Euros. Because the fact he has to "consider" it, means retirement is very much in his plans.
If you were going to remain playing for Ireland, you wouldn't be as cagey in your response. He's 36 in a few weeks. I think the Euros will be his swansong. Incidentally, I think Duff will bow out as well after the summer.
Looks like he might be on 'our' side of the fence up there if you know what I mean.
FT, I think you have a point. I think the main ones that will consider their position are Shay, Dunne, Duff and Keane. I think there is a decent chance all four will stay and they may be swayed by what the others do. My greatest concern would be around Dunne. He has had a few injuries in recent years and he also is the player we could least afford to do without. Keane, probably will stay but travel will be a factor for him. Duff simply loves playing for Ireland but if the lads that he grew up playing for Ireland call it a day he may also do the same.
I think that's a Given
Seriously though, I'd say he'll definitely be around for the next campaign. He's really looking after himself and it's obvious he wants to play as many games for us as possible. Unfortunately he doesn't have many medals to show for his career so at least it would be nice to say 'I was the most capped this or the most capped that'. Plus, and most importantly, he's still good enough.
I can't envisage Given wanting to retire. I'd say he'll keep himself available until he's deemed dispensable by the management. Didn't Roy Keane once criticise his impressive tally of caps as if such commitment and dedication were negative traits? If he was planning on retiring, why wouldn't he just say? It's not as if anyone would begrudge such a decision given the service he's offered us over the past decade and a half.
This suggests he might fancy another tilt at the World Cup...
http://www.rte.ie/sport/news/2012/03...pain-of-paris/
Is it just me or what but I can see him having another 5 yrs+ in him. It would only be a dip in form or someone coming through and looking a better option that would change that but retirement for Given just seems way down the line in my eyes....
I thought you were off the drink Ronnie?
"No, I drink to help me mind my own business....can I get you one? (c) Ronnie Drew
There is no direct replacement as far as I can see. Kieran Westwood needs to be getting first team football to be considered as replacement, he's definitely good enough, but not getting first team football hurts his chances of becoming Ireland number 1 in the future.
As for Shay, I'd reckon he has another 4 or 5 years in him easily at the top level.
https://kesslereffect.bandcamp.com/album/kepler - New music. It's not that bad.
I've been worried about shay the last year or so,having watched another performance today I definitley feel he is on a gradual slow slope downhill.he made some great reflex saves today becaude his brain is the same I.e. his positional sense is still very good and balls coming straight at him should always be saved as they were.but his body or those reactionary saves that used to make you sit up and say wow now seem to be a thing of the past.
What the difference between a reflex save and a reactionary save?
I expect he is saving himself for the Summer, no point getting himself injured before then they are pretty sure to stay up.
A reflex save is one where he isnt in control and its just body movements, normal reflex movement.
A reactionary save is where he sees the danger or reacts in time to get across and make the save.
The second one being where shay used to make some great double saves, or get across and a palm to a shot in serious quick time when you wouldn't expect him to get near it. The best definition of reactionary would be schmeichel getting down and lifting that ball over the crossbar for UTD all those years ago.
I'm a bloke,I'm an ocker
And I really love your knockers,I'm a labourer by day,
I **** up all me pay,Watching footy on TV,
Just feed me more VB,Just pour my beer,And get my smokes, And go away
The most dangerous place for a goalkeeper who is losing a bit of 'reactionary', is the kitchen.
A goalkeeper in his prime can sense that a jar/beer bottle is going to fall to the floor and has his hand stretched out waiting to catch it.
When the reactions slow down, the hand movement is a little late and as the jar fall to the floor, the instinct is to put the foot out.
Schmeichel would of course be wearing standard kitchen attire for a Dane, clogs, and would be protected from sore consequences.
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