by Glenn Mason
Shay Given is relieved to be back on the training pitch after a frustrating time recovering from a knee injury.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper admitted that he was initially concerned that the injury, which he picked up in the training camp in Malahide, could keep him out of Euro 2012.
With that concern in mind, he flew to London last week to see a knee specialist who confirmed that he would be able to take part in the tournament if he rested until the middle of this week.
There was no sign that the injury was hindering him during the Republic of Ireland's training session in Tuscany this morning, as he looked back to his sharpest in the drills and training games.
Given said: "You are always concerned, of course, because it's an injury the second day into the training camp and it's frustrating as much as anything.
"But today, I was really happy with how I trained and how the knee felt, and that's the most important thing. That's the biggest test.
"It's not about talking about it, it's about going out and putting it under the pressure you need to, and today it was fine.
"It was just nice to be training, to be honest. It's been a long ten days, or whatever it is.
"It's tough in the hotel sometimes when your only break is to get out for a couple of hours to train and then that's taken away from you a little bit. I am delighted to be back training and back among the lads and back giving out to them, all that kind of stuff. It's nice."
Given has spent several hours over the recent days working in the gym with John O'Shea as the first choice right-back tried to shake off an ankle injury.
The Donegal man believes O'Shea's return to fitness is a major boost for the squad.
"He looks good," said Given. "We have been in the gym quite a bit in the last few days just working on our core and stability; all the different work you have to do coming back from an injury.
"We have both been working together, so it is nice that we are both back on the same day to be honest. John is looking pretty sharp as well, so that's good news."
With the injury behind him, Given is keen to get some game time before Ireland begin their tournament against Croatia on Sunday 10 June.
However, he is unsure if he will win his 122nd cap when Ireland take on Hungary in their final pre-tournament friendly in Budapest on Monday night.
"I don't know, you will have to ask him," he said, when asked if Trapattoni would select him for that game.
"I would like to think I can play, hopefully, in Hungary and get 90 minutes under my belt before the Croatia game.
"I am sure whatever team he plays against Hungary, personally, will maybe start against Croatia.
"But the manager might have a totally different idea to that, I don't know."
The tournament is just eight days away and Given can feel the excitement building as Ireland prepare to end their ten-year wait to play in a major championship.
He said: "The whole season at the back of your mind, you are thinking about the European Championships in the summer. Every training session, every game, it's at the back of your mind.
"It's getting closer and closer now and the excitement is building and building, and we can't wait for next week."
"I think there's a real belief as well that we are a good team," he said when questioned about the confidence in the squad.
"People outside the country might not think that, but as a group of players and the management and even the supporters, we are a tight-knit group.
"We have got to keep that going throughout the Championships. We would like to go a long way."
Kevin Foley's omission has been the main talking point of the squad's time in Italy and Given admitted that the players did not have a chance to stay goodbye to Foley before he flew home.
However, he believes Giovanni Trapattoni has to be trusted on his decision despite the controversy it has caused.
Given said: "We didn't actually see him (Foley). He chugged off to the airport and we didn't actually see him.
"But Kevin is gutted, as we are gutted for him as well. But as the manager said, it's not about one player, it's about the team and the nation.
"He felt it was the right decision and we have got to respect his decision.
"We are gutted for him, but I am sure he is back at home and he is going to support the team in the summer."
