Given stays focused on both fronts
Wednesday, 8 September 2010 13:07Shay Given has vowed to work hard in an effort to regain his first team place at Manchester City, and be ready for the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia in October.
When questioned on his club situation by RTÉ Sport's John Kenny following the 3-1 win over Andorra at the Aviva Stadium, Given admitted: 'I had no real choice other than to stay. They said I was not going to leave. I've got to get my head down and work hard, and, if nothing else, be fit for the internationals next month. My situation is disappointing but there is nothing I can do about it.'
Speaking about the win over group minnows Andorra, the 106- times capped Given said: 'It was disappointing to concede the goal. Maybe we could have got a free in the build-up to it, but the guy latched onto it and put it away pretty well.'
'It was a no-win situation for us. We were expected to win. It was a big disappointment to concede the goal, but they got a lot of players behind the ball and made it difficult for us. But you expect that and we are delighted with the three points.'
'We said last week that we wanted to get six points from the opening two games. We have done that, but next month is going to be more difficult when we play the two best teams in the group. If we can get six points next month we will be doing well.'
'We knew before we kicked-off that Slovakia had beaten Russia, but we knew also that Slovakia are one of the strongest teams in the group. They showed that in the World Cup and we know that it will be a very, very tough game for us.'
The Republic of Ireland's next two games in the Euro 2012 qualifiers are at home to Russia on Friday 8 October, followed by a trip to Slovakia on Tuesday 12 October.
