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'Shay Given is still the best goalkeeper we have' - John Giles

John Giles has welcomed the potential return of Shay Given as Ireland goalkeeper. According to Th...
Newstalk
Newstalk

20.05 28 Aug 2014


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'Shay Given is still t...

'Shay Given is still the best goalkeeper we have' - John Giles

Newstalk
Newstalk

20.05 28 Aug 2014


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John Giles has welcomed the potential return of Shay Given as Ireland goalkeeper.

According to The Irish Sun, the Aston Villa shot-stopper, who last played for Ireland in 2012, is returning to the Boys in Green fold on the understanding that he will play.

John joined us in the Off The Ball studio tonight and he thinks bringing Given back is a good idea.

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"I think it's a good idea for him and the Irish team. He's still the best goalkeeper we have," said John. 

"I think it's good to see him back and he might be a better goalkeeper for us because when you're out of the game for years, I think you realise how much you miss it. I think he'll really appreciate being back now."

He believes that Millwall goalkeeper and Ireland's most recent No 1 David Forde will have to accept the situation.

"I think you have to accept it. [Forde] hasn't done anything wrong, he's done very, very well. But I think Shay has been a great goalkeeper," said John.  

John also feels Wayne Rooney is the most logical choice as England captain given his seniority within the squad and critiqued David Beckham's period as captain.

Turning his attention to the Premier League, John is not sure if Angel Di Maria is the exact specification of a player that they need, comparing it to the signing of Juan Mata. He calls for a player capable of dictating the game and thinks Bayern Munich-bound Xabi Alonso is the type of player Manchester United should be going for short-term. 

Based on the full-backs available, John does not think the three at the back system works for Louis Van Gaal at United due to the deficiencies of players like Ashley Young.

He also shared his worries about Liverpool's defence and does not think Brendan Rodgers can organise a defence in the same way that Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho can.

Mourinho's Chelsea got a kind draw in the Champions League on paper and John gave his take on the draw which pitted the three other English clubs in tougher groups.

In the wake of manager Dave Hockaday's sacking, John thinks the owner of his former club Leeds, Massimo Cellino, is "a headbanger" based on how he has been running the Yorkshire side. 


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