• Euro 2012

Shay Given fit for Euro 2012

ESPN staff
June 2, 2012
Shay Given is suffering with blisters © PA Photos
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Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has allayed fears that goalkeeper Shay Given has suffered an injury setback.

Given, 36, did not train on Saturday morning, just eight days before Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Croatia in Poznan.

Trapattoni has, however, insisted his absence was due to blisters rather than a recurrence of his knee injury. The Italian said: "It was better to let him have a rest because he has worked too much, and it is better that he is fresh, and also mentally fresh."

The Ireland manager confirmed that Given will play in Monday's friendly against Hungary in Budapest and is confident that the knee problem which prompted the keeper to consult a London specialist last week is no longer an issue.

The rules would allow Trapattoni to draft in another player if an injury was confirmed by UEFA medics right up until the day of the Croatia game on June 10. However, he is hopeful that will not be necessary with the soreness no longer an issue.

He said: "Not now, no, and I hope not during the game. It is true that we have a possibility to call another, but it would be better if we finished this friendly game without a problem."

Given only returned to training on Thursday after being told to rest the knee he jarred in Malahide last Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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