Given wins record cap against Norway
Shay Given established a new Republic of Ireland record when he won his 109th senior cap against Norway this evening.
The Manchester City keeper, one of only five survivors from last month’s Euro 2012 qualifier draw in Slovakia, was handed the captain’s armband as he went one ahead of full-back Kevin Kilbane with manager Giovanni Trapattoni ringing the changes amid an injury crisis.
Darren O’Dea made his first senior international start in a back four which also included teenager Greg Cunningham, while Keith Fahey started in central midfield and Shane Long partnered Kevin Doyle in attack.
Norway boss Egil Olsen included Fulham defender Brede Hangeland, former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise and Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen among his starting line-up.
Rep of Ireland: Given, Kelly, O’Shea, O’Dea, Cunningham, Lawrence, Fahey, Whelan, Duff, Long, Doyle.
Subs: Murphy, Foley, Coleman, Wilson, Walters, Treacy, Hunt, McGeady.
Norway: Knudsen, Hogli, Waehler, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Hauger, Pedersen, Grindheim, Moen, Helstad, Huseklepp.
Subs: Pettersen, Demidov, Bjorn Helge Riise, Moldskred, Parr, Jenssen, Haestad.
Referee: Kristinn Jakobsson (Iceland)
