IRELAND INTERNATIONAL EMMA Byrne is hoping Shay Given wins his fitness race and lines out against Croatia on Sunday as the impact his absence would have is huge.
The experienced Arsenal goalkeeper, who has won numerous Women’s Premier Leagues as well as the Champions League with the Gunners, will be on international duty for the Euro 2013 qualifiers with Wales and Scotland in Cork when the men’s side take to the field in Poznan.
Given played 45 minutes against Hungary before being substituted on Monday and, despite claims from the Irish camp that his is 100% fit, didn’t take full part in training today meaning doubts remain.
And speaking at Betfair‘s Euro 2012 launch in Dublin yesterday, the Kildare native spoke of the confidence Given brings to ten outfield players in front of him.
“Not to be pessimistic but I think he is massive for us,” she told TheScore.ie. “Just his presence alone and seeing him in the line-up is a boost for the players and, in particular, the defender.
I just hope that they’re looking after him and being precautionary and it’s not because he physically can’t do it. I think they’re just wrapping him in cotton wool so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he is going to be out there playing.
“An 80% fit Shay is better than most because he’s just top quality.”
Although Byrne is worried about the potential loss of Given for the first Group C game, she believes Keiren Westwood will be a superb successor when he does eventually take over the No1 jersey.
“It’s very seldom that you would have a second goalkeeper that you’d be confident in throwing straight in but if Shay is injured it’s an ideal opportunity for him (Westwood),” she added. “You’d be surprised how that brings out the best in goalkeepers and looking at him the other night I thought he did brilliantly and he looks really sharp.
“Maybe not straight away, but he will fill Shay’s boots in the future.”
