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Shay Given

Shay Given first drew attention his way as a 15 year old playing for a local mens side Lifford Celtic. Celtic were defeated 1-0 in the semi final of the FAI Junior Cup, but despite this defeat Shay had managed to prove his class by holding his own between the sticks.

He had earlier been invited to join Scottish side Celtic during their pre-season, he signed under 16 terms under the stewardship of Liam Brady, and former Irish footballing legend.

After two years playing for Celtic youth side, Shay was transferred to England where he joined Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn Rovers side. Shay made two first team appearances for Blackburn and despite impressive displays he was never able to dislodge Tim Flowers. He was first shipped out on loan to Swindon Town, and then to Sunderland where he earned a Divison One winners medal, the club won Division One and Shay had met the minimal 10 game requirement for a medal. Shay made 17 appearances for Sunderland and kept 16 clean sheets.

However, due to his loan moves, Shay was unable to play for Blackburn Rovers and so as a result he did not receive a winners medal when Blackburn won the Premier League in 1994/1995.

When Kenny Dalglish was appointed Kevin Keegan's successor at Newcastle in 1997 he paid Blackburn the fee of £1.5million to make Shay his first signing. At Newcastle he was face greater competition for first team football, the club already had three goalkeepers in Pavel Srnicek, Shaka Hislop and Steve Harper but despite the heavy competition Shay quickly established himself as the regular number one.

Given was to become influentual in the 1997/1998 season as he help quide Newcastle to an FA Cup final, however, Newcastle lost 2-0 in the final to Arsenal. A year later Newcastle returned to Wembley but Shay was dropped in favour of Steve Harper but Newcastle again went down 2-0, this time to Manchester United.

The 1999/2000 season saw Shay lose his first team place to Steve Harper, this time to injury. When Shay regained his fitness he was unable to regain his first team place and as a result he handed in a transfer request. The transfer request was more in protest than a genuine wish to leave the club but fate would turn back in Shay's favour as Steve Harper picked up an injury and Shay was able to regain his first team place.

In 2001-2002 he played every game during the Premier League season and was rewarded with a place in the Premier League Team of the Season, that summer he represented the Republic of Ireland at the world cup but could not prevent their elimination to Spain during a penalty shootout.

On April 30th 2003 he became Newcastle's most capped player, taking the record away from Alf McMichael by appearing in his 41st Republic of Ireland game. That same season also saw Shay surrender his record for most consecutive Premiership appearances to Frank Lampard.

Shay was again named in the Premier League Team of the Season in 2005/2006. On September 17th 2006 he suffered a one centimetre tear in his bowel following a collision with West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood. Doctors would liken the injury to that which is more likely to occur in a car accident. The injury forced then manager Glenn Roeder to bring ex keeper Pavel Srnicek back to the club as back up. Given returned on November 18th 2006 with an impressive display against Arsenal.

Info

Full name: Séamus John James Given
DOB: 20th April 1976
Place of Birth: Lifford, Republic of Ireland
Height: 6ft 1in
Position: Goalkeeper
Signed from: Blackburn Rovers
Date signed: 14th July 1997
Debut: 9th August 1997 v Sheffield Wednesday

Facts

Was nomiated for Premier Leagues 10 season award save of the decade for a save he made during a Tyne-Wear derby to deny Sunderland's Kevin Phillips.

Newcastle United's most capped international.

Newcastle United most experienced European player

Shay held the record for the most consecutive Premiership appearances until he lost that record to Frank Lampard in 2003/2004.