Shay Given

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

The case against Shay.

http://www.the42.ie/shay-given-euro-2016-2705333-Apr2016/

Really enjoying these kinda articles on 42 lately, have to say.

[OwlsFan]

The case against Shay.

http://www.the42.ie/shay-given-euro-2016-2705333-Apr2016/

Really enjoying these kinda articles on 42 lately, have to say.

Have to say that I agree with most of that articles and it is also 4 years on from Euro 2012 but whether Martin agrees is slightly more important

[DeLorean]

Yeah, 1 & 4 are practically the same thing though.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Given starts....

[DeLorean]

Blameless for the goals, a couple of saves, the best early on from Kane. Could have easily conceded six or seven as Tottenham were simply awesome.

[DeLorean]

Started again at his old stomping ground. Whelan started also.

[tetsujin1979]

Off at half time with an injury

[DeLorean]

Meanwhile Kieren Westwood is keeping Sheffield Wednesday in the game at the iPro Stadium.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Off at half time with an injury

Insanity if Martin indulges this any longer.

[SwanVsDalton]

To take him would be a big risk worth trying only if he was playing well or crucial to the team. Kiss and make up with DJ Westwood, Martin, and thank Shay for his efforts.

[OwlsFan]

Off at half time with an injury

Hope it's nothing minor (sad to say I know for a great servant but next we'll hear that Packie Bonner is in the frame if Shay doesn't make it and that Giles may be offered a holding role in midfield).

[DeLorean]

Hope it's nothing minor (sad to say I know for a great servant but next we'll hear that Packie Bonner is in the frame if Shay doesn't make it and that Giles may be offered a holding role in midfield).

Giles doesn't believe in the holding role so that's a non-runner.

[DeLorean]

I was looking at the list of internationals with more than 100 caps the other day. I thought it was kind of interesting that Given is tied with Sergio Ramos on 131, despite making his debut nine years earlier. Clearly only a fraction of Given's caps came in the last few years so the figures are totally skewed. It's impressive by Sergio Ramos more than anything considering he's only just turned 30, God knows what he'll end up with.

A bit of a pointless post but anyway.

[DeLorean]

No, he could still be "in the know" but just disguising it.

Darren Norris clearly isn't 'in the know' either but is doing a lot of speculating, speculation which includes Sheffield Wednesday not only securing their playoff spot but making the final at Wembley. Considering the final is on the day after The Netherlands friendly I'm not sure that it would be the best thing for his Ireland chances, but who knows.

[OwlsFan]

I was looking at the list of internationals with more than 100 caps the other day. I thought it was kind of interesting that Given is tied with Sergio Ramos on 131, despite making his debut nine years earlier. Clearly only a fraction of Given's caps came in the last few years so the figures are totally skewed. It's impressive by Sergio Ramos more than anything considering he's only just turned 30, God knows what he'll end up with.

A bit of a pointless post but anyway.

Robbie could jump up a few places to possibly 22nd with a few sub appearances.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I sincerely doubt that Shay would be starting games of any significant importance for Stoke. I think ol' Sparky is doing him a favor.

I think he's going to start in June. Despite the fact that he played injured in 2012, went off injured against Germany, can barely stay fit for three consecutive games, turned down regular football with the downside that has on his maintaining any kind of decent fitness level etc etc.

[DeLorean]

I sincerely doubt that Shay would be starting games of any significant importance for Stoke. I think ol' Sparky is doing him a favor.

I don't think Hughes had much to lose as that Danish fella didn't look too great anyway.

[Stuttgart88]

Would have been funny if Randolph's late header had gone in.

[DannyInvincible]

I sincerely doubt that Shay would be starting games of any significant importance for Stoke. I think ol' Sparky is doing him a favor.

I think he's going to start in June. Despite the fact that he played injured in 2012, went off injured against Germany, can barely stay fit for three consecutive games, turned down regular football with the downside that has on his maintaining any kind of decent fitness level etc etc.

Obviously, he wouldn't be starting if Butland was available, but what are games of "significant importance"? The two other back-up keepers - Haugaard and Bachmann - are also relative rookies, certainly, but, as you know, Shay started ahead of them against Spurs and Manchester City - two top-four teams - last month: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Play...8&seasonID=145

And a favour for what exactly? Why would Hughes choose an inferior keeper (if he, for argument's sake, felt the same way about Shay as you do) and heighten the risk of conceding goals just to do Shay a favour? It'd be unprofessional.

I think the chance of Shay being our first-choice keeper in June is exceptionally slim. He might make the squad, but I'd be astonished if he was first-choice. I think Randolph will get the nod as he's been capable (and his kicking is good; Shay's is laboured and he's generally less agile now), although I'd personally prefer Westwood.

[BonnieShels]

While I would be blaming the defender for Stoke's concession today. Shay was abysmal in his reactions. I REALLY don't want to see him play in the Euros at all.