Shay Given

Who is Shay Given?

Shay John James Given is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Aston Villa. He played at international level for the Republic of Ireland national football team. As he surpassed the total of 100 caps required for membership, he is thus a part of the FIFA Century Club. Given gained his first international cap in 1996 and played in goal during every match for his country during the 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, helping them reach the knockout stage. He was later on the pitch in Paris when the Republic of Ireland were knocked out of the play-offs for a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup by France before helping his team qualify for UEFA Euro 2012.

Given started his a career at Celtic however it didn't last long and he was released and bought by Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer in 1994. Given was part of the Sunderland team who won the Football League First Division title in 1995–96, while on loan from Blackburn Rovers. He was signed by Newcastle United in 1997 for a fee of £1.5 million, and it was there that he began competing to be a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper.