GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI HAS confirmed that Shay Given will miss Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia in Dublin next month which could open the door for Paddy Kenny’s international return.

The Irish Independent this morning speculates that Kenny, whose Ireland career is so far remembered for the infamous 5-2 defeat to Cyprus five years ago, could be picked on the basis of his form for Queens Park Rangers this season.

Given will miss the Macedonia game with a shoulder injury picked up in warm up routine for Manchester City in Greece last week.

This could require surgery that would sideline him for six months.

However, the 34-year-old’s absence could open the door for Kenny whose Cypriot nightmare and subsequent personal problems led to him ruling out any international commitments.

But after 17 clean sheets for QPR this season as they chase promotion to the Premier League, Kenny has declared his interest in a return to the fold.

His form suggests he is the best choice given the unconvincing form of other options Keiren Westwood at Coventry and Joe Murphy at Scunthorpe. Westwood is considered the most likely to deputise at this point.

In other team news, Robbie Keane is expected to be back in time for the Macedonia game on 26 March, making good progress in his recovery from a calf strain, according to the Irish Times.