Shay Given Retires from International Football

[CorkVilla]

Just heard that Given has retired from international football...

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0813/333484-given-hangs-up-international-gloves/


I remember when Shay made his debut for Ireland in Mick McCarthy's first game as manager in 1996. He was a breath of fresh air in an ageing team. Since then I've seen him single-handedly carry Ireland through god knows how many games.

It's a terrible pity he had to wait until he was 36 to play in another tournament when he was out of form and unfit. We will miss you Shay!!

Good news for Villa though.

[Percy McCarthy]

Yes, good move. Hope it pays off.

[gervilla]

Good call Shay.

[Mortimer's Bear]

Can only benefit us, hopefully he'll rediscover the form we all know he's capable of.

[eamonn]

Good, now no distractions from earning his fat contract.

[darren woolley]

I'm glad he's retired from international football now he can focus all of his attention on Villa.

[Californian Villain]

I'm glad he's retired from international football now he can focus all of his attention on retiring from Villa.

[olaftab]

I would rather he had retired from Villa to concentrate on playing for his country.

[PaulTheVillan]

Hopefully this will benefit us, or it'll be Guzan as number 1 before we know it.

[johnc]

John Delaney was on Irish radio this morning intimating that Given had had pressure applied by the Villa in particular the new manager.

This comes with the caveat that John Delaney talks an awful lot of bollocks

[dave.woodhall]

I'm glad he's retired from international football now he can focus all of his attention on retiring from Villa.

Yes, because he was absolutely dreadful last season wasn't he?

[not3bad]

I'm glad he's retired from international football now he can focus all of his attention on retiring from Villa.

Yes, because he was absolutely dreadful last season wasn't he?

We'd have won the premier league if he wasn't in goal.

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

He's just been on Talkshite with Keys and Gray, saying the contributing factor behind his decision was to concentrate on his Villa career and prolong his playing career as long as possible. He also mentioned that he was 'sure the manager is looking at bringing in a couple more players'.

[Ad@m]

I would rather he had retired from Villa to concentrate on playing for his country.

Did you watch any of our games last season?  I don't know the statistics but given the paucity of goals scored I'm certain he saved us enough points that had a lesser keeper been in the sticks we'd be looking forward to Burnley away on Saturday.

[Mortimer's Bear]

His inability to deal with crosses/command his area hampered him last season, but there's no denying he's a great shot stopper.