However, Given, who has been plagued by groin problems for the past 18 months, and understudy Steve Harper having been superb this season.Given Future Assured!
However, Given, who has been plagued by groin problems for the past 18 months, and understudy Steve Harper having been superb this season.Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trappatoni sees no reason why the 32-year-old cannot play on for another eight years, and smash more records for club and country.
Trappatoni: "Goalkeepers are lucky, because they can play until they are 40. It is a long career.
"It is a position in which it is very important to have experience.
"Shay Given has played very many games, and it is a pity he is injured, but in two or three months he will come back, maybe in August.
"At the moment, I am very, very happy with Dean Kiely because he is experienced.
"We have others - Colin Doyle and Joe Murphy, who are very good goalkeepers - but a goalkeeper with experience gives certainty to his defenders.
"I am happy Kiely is with us. In the future, when Given comes back, the position is for him.
"But his injury is not easy, and at the moment it is important we have a solid replacement.
"It's normal that I say to him it is his position. After a bad injury, you need time, but I will be happy when he comes back."