SHAY GIVEN’S RETURN to first team football appears to have been short-lived with the Ireland international forced off at half-time of Stoke’s game at Manchester City.
The goalkeeper, who turned 40 during the week, made his first Premier League appearance in nearly a year last Monday and retained his place for the day’s early kick-off.
However, after conceding two first half goals, Given didn’t return for the second period and was replaced by young Danish ‘keeper Jakob Haugaard.
Sky Sports are reporting that Given sustained a groin injury.
Fernando gave City the lead at the Ethiad Stadium before Sergio Aguero doubled the hosts’ advantage with a penalty moments before the interval.
Kelechi Iheanacho then bagged a brace as Stoke conceded four goals for the third successive game.
The severity of Given’s injury remains to be seen but another setback for the veteran must now surely end his chances of making Martin O’Neill’s Euro 2016 squad.
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