Given gets all-clear to resume training
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was this afternoon heading back from London after being told he can resume training next week.
The 36-year-old Aston Villa man flew to England today to consult a specialist over his knee injury, and he confirmed the diagnosis of Ireland’s own medical staff and approved their plan for his recovery.
A spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: “Shay Given is on his way back from visiting his specialist in London.
“The specialist has been in contact with the Irish medical team and agrees with their diagnosis and recovery management plan.
“Shay is expected to return to full training on Wednesday.”
That would seem to rule Given out of Saturday’s friendly against Bosnia at the Aviva Stadium, something manager Giovanni Trapattoni did not do expressly this morning.
However, he indicated that he would not risk one of his key men unnecessarily even if he wanted to play.
His place is likely to be taken by Sunderland’s Keiren Westwood.
