Euro spot not a Given for Shay

Shay Given is facing a battle to make the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 squad after picking up a groin injury in Saturday’s 4-0 loss away at Manchester City.

Given, who became only the 14th player to make a Premier League appearance in his 40’s, was replaced by Jakob Haugaard at half-time after struggling with the issue for the opening 45 minutes.

The former Newcastle United goalkeeper is now waiting on further tests to find out the extent of the injury, with rumours suggesting his participation in Euro 2016 in France this summer is in doubt.

ROI boss Martin O’Neill has already lost one keeper ahead of the competition, with Magpies ace Rob Elliot ruled out for at least six months after suffering a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty last month.

West Ham United keeper Darren Randolph is now seen as the number one for the national team, ahead of Millwall’s David Forde and Sheffield Wednesday’s Keiren Westwood.

However, if Given was fit, many believe the Lifford-born ace would be guaranteed a spot in the squad and perhaps even challenge for the starting jersey.

With just under two months to go until the start of Euro 2016, the Stoke keeper is facing a race against time to be fit and his availability will depend heavily on how severe the groin problem is.

Given played all of Ireland’s games at the 2002 World Cup and has earned a massive 133 caps – second in the country’s all-time list behind Robbie Keane.

O’Neill’s men have been drawn against Belgium, Italy and Sweden in Group E and are the outsiders at 12.00 to top the pool.

The Irish open up against the Swedes on June 13 and are priced at 2.88 to clinch a win, with a draw at 3.10 while their opponents are the 2.30 favourites.