SHAY Given showed the sort of form Celtic fans would love to see at Parkhead next season – pulling off a string of fine saves against a trio of current and ex-Rangers players to help Ireland lift the Nations Cup in Dublin this evening.
And if Robbie Keane fancies a new career back in Glasgow, the Hoops would be delighted to get him.
For his winning goal in the 1-0 victory at Lansdowne Road (Aviva as it’s sometimes known) came against Rangers keeper Alan McGregor.
Keane’s 49th international goal saw Ireland claim the inaugural Nations Cup.
The Dubliner grabbed the winner midway through the first half after running 30 yards and firing low under McGregor.
Scotland had controlled the game for long spells with Charlie Adam, Stephen Naismith and Kenny Miller forcing fine saves from Lifford man Shay.
And Given also made a stunning save from Bardsley who had better a blistering effort from all of 30 yards that Shay turned on to the bar and over for a corner.
Despite some frantic late defending, Ireland held on for their first senior international trophy since 1986, helped by the energetic Killybegs man Seamus Coleman who came on with half an hour to go and put in a superb performance.
Republic of Ireland: Given, McShane, O’Dea (Foley 66), Kelly, Ward, Lawrence (Coleman 62), Andrews, Fahey, Hunt, Keane (Treacy 83), Cox. Subs Not Used: Forde, Randolph, Delaney, Keogh, St. Ledger.
Booked: McShane, Fahey, Foley, Andrews.
Goals: Keane 23.
Scotland: McGregor, Whittaker, Hanley, Berra, Bardsley, Forrest (McCormack 85), Brown, Adam (Bannan 63), Robson (Maguire 75), Naismith, Miller. Subs Not Used: Gilks, Turner, McArthur, Caldwell, Wilson, Martin.
Booked: Adam, Miller
Att: 17,694
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