The legendary Shay Given calls time on glorious Irish career

Shay Given has said he has been ‘one of the lucky ones’ after calling time on an incredible career with the Republic of Ireland.

Given made his debut against Russia in 1996, and was last capped against Belarus before the Irish squad jetted off for EURO 2016 in France.

Given was an unused substitute during the championships and bows out after a truly incredible career.

In a poignant statement Given said it was a dream that he went from a boy who just wanted to be a better player than his father to go and play for Ireland for as long as he did.

He spoke about making his mother proud who he lost at a young age and thanked everybody from his first club Lifford Celtic, his school to all players he had to privilege of playing with at Ireland.

Thanks for the memories Shay, you were an incredible player for Ireland and loyal servant, and you are a fantastic ambassador for Donegal.