Record-man Given takes pop at Keane

Sunderland manager Keane accused members of the Irish squad of wanting to play in friendlies to top up their caps total and 'earn a pat on the back'.

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Newcastle's Given, who equals Packie Bonner's Irish record of 80 caps against Slovakia in their Group D European Championship qualifier at Croke Park, said: "Players once got stick for not wanting to play for their country. Now you get stick if you do.

"Personally I'm as proud winning my 80th cap as I was getting my first cap.

"There is personal pride in that and I want as many caps as possible for my country and if that's wrong, so be it."

IRELAND (4-4-1-1): Given; Finnan, Dunne, McShane, O'Shea; Duff, Carsley, Kilbane, McGeady; Ireland; Doyle.