The Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he is extremely delighted with the news that the Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given wants to play international football once again. Given retired from international duty after the Euro 2012 in which the Irish performed very poorly. The Aston Villa goalkeeper recently said in an interview that he will be considering his international future after the new year. Given has been one of the indispensable parts of the Irish national team over the last decade. He has been widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier league, although he is not getting a lot of game time right now.
Trapattoni has revealed that he will be getting in touch with Given shortly. It was initially thought that the 36-year-old decided to quit international football in order to focus on his club career. However, he has not been the first choice under the manager Paul Lambert. Given has admitted that he misses the experience of playing for the Irish national team. He has not yet confirmed that he will be returning to international football, but has given the strongest indication that he will be ready to do so when called upon. The Republic of Ireland will be playing in a friendly match against Poland next month.
“I am very happy that Shay has got over the disappointment of the Euros and would be happy to see him available again. I will be in touch with him to discuss it shortly,” said the manager of the national team. “I do miss playing for Ireland and we will see what happens in 2013,” said Shay Given a few weeks ago in an interview given to the Irish Sun. The team has lost two of the last three matches in all competitions.