Given Gets More Practice Than Most
Brian Kerr's men kept their World Cup hopes alive with a somewhat fortunate 1-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday. Ireland were indebted to Given for the win with the Newcastle shot-stopper producing heroics to keep out Cyprus including a wonderful penalty save from Ioannis Okkas.
Ireland know nothing more than a win against Switzerland will guarantee them a top-two finish in Group Four, and with it at least a play-off place. Given has called on his team-mates to rise to the challenge and keep their hopes of reaching Germany alive.
"Maybe we were a bit fortunate to get the three points, but you take what you get, and it's what we came for," said Given. "We know we didn't play well, particularly in the first half when our performance was unacceptable, giving the ball away too easily and leaving ourselves very open at the back at times.
"We were very lucky to come through that first half, but when you don't play so well, it's important you try to keep a clean sheet, and we did that. The lads in front of me at least managed to get in some great blocks, while I made some saves when called upon and we got the win we wanted.
"It means we're still in the World Cup and in with a chance of getting to Germany next year, although we know we can - and we must - play better.
But there's no point being negative because we have to be positive going into the game with Switzerland, and our morale is still good."
But there's no point being negative because we have to be positive going into the game with Switzerland, and our morale is still good."