Veteran goalkeeper Shay Given says Martin O'Neill has given no indication who will start between the sticks for Ireland's opening Euro 2016 clash with Sweden on Monday.

The Stoke netminder started all three games in the calamitous 2012 campaign but Darren Randolph has emerged as the manager's first-choice keeper since replacing Given during the 1-0 qualifying victory over Germany in Dublin.

Keiren Westwood is also in the running after a fine season for Championship play-off runners-up Sheffield Wednesday.

"No, nothing," he told RTÉ Sport, when asked if O'Neill had hinted who would start against the Swedes.

"In my position there are three of us who want to start and in every other position there are two, so we’re all eager to get the nod."

The 40-year-old earned his 134th cap in the friendly defeat to Belarus last week and has become Ireland's longest-serving player, breaking John Giles' former record of 19 years and 202 days.

The Boys in Green have the oldest average squad in the tournament at 29 years and 288 days but the Donegal native thinks that that experience should be viewed as a positive.

"Back in '96, I was delighted to play one game for Ireland, so to think I am still here 20 years later is phenomenal," he reflected.

"“I don't know if it's good or bad when you're the oldest player involved. I never set out to do that, I'm just delighted to be here, to be honest.

"We have got a good experienced squad and we have got some young players coming through as well.

“We might be the oldest squad at the tournament, but a few of us have been here before and I think that will stand us in good stead.

“It's great to be here, great to be part of another major tournament, of course, and hopefully it's a successful one.

From the younger generation, Given has high hopes for Derby's Jeff Hendrick, Norwich star Robbie Brady and Blackburn's Shane Duffy, who are all 24.

“I don't know what the starting XI is yet, but Jeff Hendrick in midfield is a big player for us, he has a big future ahead of him," said Given.

"Robbie Brady as left-back as well, of course and Shane Duffy, who's a commanding centre-half, has got into the squad now as well.

“These players will be around for a good few years."

Access to Ireland's team hotel has been restricted due to security reasons but Given said the players missed the interaction with the fans and praised the dedication of the Irish supporters.

"The fans probably think that we are too big time to speak to them but it’s not the case at all," he said. "We’re told by security that we have to stay in the one position and one place.

"It’s a shame for the fans because they want to have pictures and mementos of the tournament but it’s not the players’ doing. It is just the way the game has gone. But the players are very hospitable, so here in Versailles or in Paris, we’ll do the best we can.

"Someone told me that there are 75,000 Irish fans coming to France. It’s unbelievable all the support we get at all the tournaments and I’m sure this will be no different

“Every game we play, especially at the major finals, the support we have – we have a section of Irish fans, but they always seem to be spread throughout the stadium. However they get tickets, I don't know, but there's more than just the allocation and they are fantastic supporters.

"They got voted the best fans when the last Euros were on so I’m sure they will be hoping to better that."

Given welcomed the announcement that O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane will be in charge for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, and emphasised the esteem in which the Cork man is held by the squad.

"(Martin) and Roy and the whole backroom staff have committed to the next World Cup qualifying campaign," he said.

"He’s had great luck with the squad that is here and he’s brought in some of the younger players, and I’m sure he’ll be looking to bring a few more in September.

"I like to think (Ireland have progressed under O'Neill). We’re in a major tournament and people will question after the tournament how we do but it’s up to us as players and staff to go out and show to people that we have improved and we have impressed.

"We’ve all got a huge amount of respect for Roy. And whatever you may read or whatever he may say sometimes, we still have a big respect for Roy.

"He's a big character. When he speaks, you listen because he was such a great player and he has some great experiences all around the world."

A 3-1 defeat to Croatia in the opening game set the tone for Ireland's dismal Euro 2012 experience and Given is well aware of the need for a positive start against Sweden, who he warns have other threats apart from talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"It’s massive," he said. "We have got to focus all our time and energy now watching video analysis first and then hopefully we can get off to a good start.

"You can’t single (Ibrahimovic) out. There were three goalscorers against Wales and he wasn’t one of them. But he is a fantastic player. We have to keep him quiet but we have to keep the rest of them quiet as well.

"Sweden are more than a one-man team; they have a lot of quality players. It’s going to be a tough game.

"Sweden will think it is their chance to get off to a good start, as do we, so we're looking forward to Monday."

RTÉ's live coverage of Euro 2016 begins with France v Romania on Friday (kick-off 8pm). Watch live on RTÉ One, listen live on Radio 1 and follow our live blog on RTE.ie.