Shay Given looks set to return to action for Stoke City.
The veteran goalkeeper, who hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury against Germany last October, has seen his chances of making the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016 boosted by Jack Butland’s injury.
The Stoke City number one fractured his ankle, ironically also against Germany, during England’s 3-2 win last Saturday. Butland’s misfortune has opened the door for Given to play the remainder of Stoke’s games this season.
The Donegal native, who has played 133 times for Ireland, was on punditry duty for Setanta Sports during Ireland’s friendly against Slovakia, and revealed that he expects to return to action within the next two weeks.
Given said he’s fit and rearing to go for Stoke’s game against Swansea City this weekend.
“Well it’s obviously it’s a window for me to play at the weekend and an opportunity for myself to get on the plane for France,” Given said about Butland’s injury.
The 39 year old also said that, while he was has sympathy for Butland over his injury, it has given him a renewed “buzz” in training. “I’d like to play the weekend, (but) if I don’t play on Saturday, it’ll be next week (in a reserve team game).”
Martin O’Neill was also quick to shoot down suggestions that Given’s return posed him a selection headache, and that the goalkeeper’s “experience and excellence” can “only help.”
Given’s chances were helped by another injury, with Rob Elliot suffering a twisted knee when Slovakia opened the scoring at the Aviva.
Rob Elliot got injured in the concession of goal. That Shay Given impersonator may be back on SSN tonight #opportunityknocks#IRESLO
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 29, 2016
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