Given Announces Republic Retirement

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has announced his retirement from international football.

Given, 36, is the highest-capped player in Republic history having played 125 times for his country.

The Aston Villa man said that his decision to quit international football had been "extremely difficult".

"I have dedicated 16 years of my life to my county and I have a great affinity with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad," he added.

"I'd like to thank the Giovanni, Marco (Tardelli) and Alan Kelly for their support during my time with the team.

"I will continue to be Ireland's biggest fan and wish the lads well as they embark upon their new campaign."

While he did confirm his international retirement, a Football Association of Ireland statement added that Given had indicated that he would be prepared to "make himself available" in any emergencies in the future.

The FAI statement added the Trapattoni had spoken "at length" with Given on Monday afternoon before the retirement was confirmed.

Trapattoni praised Given for his "outstanding contributions to Ireland during his 16-year international career".

"I understand the difficult decision that Shay had to make and appreciate all of his efforts during his international career," said the Republic manager.

"He is a strong player with a great character and his love of playing for his country always shone through.

"It has been a pleasure to work with him during my time with the team. I wish him the very best in his future."

Shay Ready to Give Up

Shay Given has admitted he is ready to quit international football after Euro 2012.

Given is Republic of Ireland's most capped player with 124 caps to date, but he has now confirmed that Monday's game with Italy will likely be his last.

The Aston Villa keeper has come in for some criticism for his performances in Poland, with Ireland already out before their final group game.

"I think it might be time to step aside and let somebody else come into the side," he said.

"It's all a bit raw at the moment because we've lost an important game but at some point I'm going to have to make a decision."

Given was speaking in the aftermath of their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Spain and he admits they have never come across a side as good before.

"I don't think any team has ripped us apart like Spain have," he continued.

"It's a credit to the way they play, the system, the way they pass and move and the mobility.

"They're a fantastic team. We said before the game that we knew what was coming. It's all very well having a gameplan but you've got to implement it and we didn't do that well enough.

"Spain are a great side, they have so much movement off the ball, pulling you one way to create space for someone else to come into.

"They're incredibly hard to defend against. I think they showed in the second half why they are the defending champions and they're going to be hard to beat again."

Not Keane

Meanwhile, Given has also hit back at former Ireland captain Roy Keane who condemned their performance at the Euros claiming they had turned up 'just for a sing-song'.

"I'm sure the fans have come for a sing-song, but the players certainly haven't. Why shouldn't the fans enjoy themselves? They've waited a long time to get to this stage," he said.

"But we certainly haven't come along for a sing-song.

"We didn't come here just to have a good time, we came here to try and get out of the group stage and progress in the competition.

"Unfortunately, we weren't good enough but you can't say we weren't trying or that we didn't take it seriously.

"Any 4-0 defeat is tough to take, no matter who the opposition are - and this hurts. They're a fantastic team, we said before the game that we knew what was coming."

Given Gives Giovanni Worries

McLeish Hails Dunne and Given

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has hailed his side's performance against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and has special praise for two of his players.

The Villans drew 0-0 with their West Midlands rivals at The Hawthorns to edge closer to Premier League safety, and could have won the game had they taken their chances in the second half.

McLeish was satisfied with his players' display in the derby and is hopeful that they can get three points from their remaining two games in the league to retain their top-flight status.

"Shay Given is a world-class goalkeeper and he has made that kind of saves (like the last-minute one against Peter Odemwingie ) through his career," he told Sky Sports. "That's why we brought him here.

"What a performance from Richard Dunne - he was absolutely immense, coming off after such a long time off," McLeish further enthused.

"He trained well and we couldn't see why he should not play today."

'In our hands'

Turning to matters about relegation from the Premier League, McLeish expressed confidence and optimism.

"We still have it in our hands and we can make it work for us regardless of other results," he stated.

"We would like another win in our final two matches."

Sign up to maintain OSM news service