Sunderland Boss Slams Given


By Nick Raynor
March 27 2007

Sunderland Boss Roy Keane has criticised Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given for being cap hungy.

Shay Given will pick his 80th Republic of Ireland cap up as they face Slovakia on Wednesday.

Keane, a former Ireland player, has hit out at Given though, claiming other goalkeepers should have a chance.

Keane said:

"I think players have agendas - certain players come over all the time no matter what.

"Maybe they want to get 50 or 100 caps and a pat on the back for it.

"I think Shay's one of those ones - he wants to get 200 caps.

"Shay seems to have played every game - even friendlies.

"You have other keepers, who travel all the time. Then, when they do play, they're taken off.

"I've always thought, when it comes to the lads who travel all the time, 'give them a game'.

"Qualifiers you have to win - but with friendly matches, give the lads who travel a game and don't be changing them at half-time, give them a full game."

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