Given Outstanding

Last updated : 02 October 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

Graeme Souness hailed goalkeeper Shay Given after the Republic of Ireland international pulled of some brilliant saves during the goalless draw with Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Without England striker Michael Owen because of a dead leg, the visitors struggled to create, and were on the back foot for much of the match as Pompey manager Alan Perrin deployed a strange 3-3-3-1 formation, originally intended to limit the influence of Owen.

Graeme Souness: "He has earned us a point today, and has made at least three top-class saves. That is of no surprise to me, though, because we have a top-class goalkeeper, and he has shown it again today.

"I don't think there is anyone who you can say is the number one 'keeper in the Premiership right now, but I would certainly not swap him for anybody.
I don't think there is a better one out there, and if people were pushed to pick their number one, I think a lot would choose him."