Advertisement
Given warming up at the Britannia this afternoon. PA Wire/Press Association Images
COYBIG

Bump in Given's road to Euro 2016 as he sits on bench for Stoke's draw

Jakob Haugaard filled in for Jack Butland and was wrong-footed by two deflected Swansea strikes in a 2 – 2 draw.

Updated 17.00

VETERAN IRISH GOALKEEPER Shay Given once again found himself out of the Stoke City starting XI while his side threw away a two-goal lead to draw at home to Swansea.

Injuries to positional rivals at club and country over the last week presented Given with fresh hope of playing his way into Martin O’Neill’s summer plans.

However, despite the loss of Jack Butland coinciding with Given’s return from injury, Potters boss Mark Hughes has preferred to select Jakob Haugaard between the sticks for today’s meeting with Swansea.

Ireland and Newcastle ‘keeper Rob Elliot has been ruled out of Euros contention, so Given will battle it out with Darren Randolph, David Forde and Keiren Westwood for one of the three goalkeeping places in Ireland’s squad.

With Given watching from the bench, Haugaard was steady for Stoke’s first 45 minutes and took a 1 – 0 lead in to the interval thanks to Ibrahim Afellay header. Bojan Krkic doubled the advantage with a brilliant individual effort soon after the break.

However, Swansea rallied from two goals down and Haugaard was twice wrong-footed by deflected strikes. First from Gylfi Sigurdsson before Alberto Paloschi found the net 11 minutes from time.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

21 years ago, a Man United prospect with a remarkable right-foot made his league debut

Villa fans protest against their owner as Pato makes impressive Chelsea debut

Your Voice
Readers Comments
11
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.