Shay Given

**Noelys Guitar** · 31/12/2012, 11:15 AM

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** · 31/12/2012, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by 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?

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** · 31/12/2012, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**Bungle** · 31/12/2012, 11:52 AM

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** · 31/12/2012, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by back of the net

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

No "probably" about it

**ifk101** · 31/12/2012, 12:33 PM

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** · 31/12/2012, 12:42 PM

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** · 31/12/2012, 12:45 PM

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

**brine3** · 31/12/2012, 12:47 PM

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** · 31/12/2012, 1:00 PM

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** · 31/12/2012, 1:02 PM

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

**ArdeeBhoy** · 31/12/2012, 3:02 PM

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** · 31/12/2012, 7:19 PM

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

**dr_peepee** · 31/12/2012, 8:08 PM

"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** · 31/12/2012, 8:17 PM

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** · 31/12/2012, 8:38 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

Nicely put Harvey

**SkStu** · 31/12/2012, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by 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?

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** · 01/01/2013, 11:47 AM

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** · 01/01/2013, 12:22 PM

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!