Shay Given

Séamus John James Given (born 20 April 1976 Lifford in County Donegal) is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. After leaving Celtic in 1994 having been deemed surplus to requirements, 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, and it was there that he began competing to be a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper. Given was part of the teams who came runners-up in the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup campaigns, and was named in the Premier League Team of the Season for 2001–02 and 2005–06. He played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup with Newcastle, and was involved in the club's title challenge in 2001–02. Although he submitted a transfer request during the 2000–01 campaign after losing his position in the starting lineup, it was denied, and Given went on to regain his place. On 1 February 2009, Given transferred to Manchester City for £7 million on a four and a half-year-contract.
He gained his first international cap in 1996, and has since competed in every World Cup qualifying and European Championship qualifying campaign for his national team. He played in goal during every match for his country during the 2002 World Cup campaign, helping them to reach the knockout stages. With 114 national caps, Given has made more appearances for the Republic of Ireland than any other player in history.
==External links==
Category:1976 births
Category:Players
Category:Goalkeepers
Category:Irish footballers
Category:Republic of Ireland international players
Category:The Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:Blackburn Rovers F.C. players
Category:Manchester City F.C. players
Category:Newcastle United F.C. players
Category:Sunderland A.F.C. players
Category:Swindon Town F.C. players
Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players