Confident Given out to upset the odds

WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF:The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper is in characteristically upbeat form ahead of the play-offs, writes MARY HANNIGAN

HE WILL trust that the Irish defence will perform better against France than Manchester City’s back four did against Burnley at the weekend, an experience that must have made Shay Given feel like he’d never left Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, though, is in characteristically upbeat form as he prepares for the World Cup qualifying play-offs, convinced that the team is capable of upsetting the odds and clinching a place in next summer’s finals.

“We have to believe,” he said. “We know France are the favourites, but that’s fine with us, it means there’s more pressure on them. We need to just play our own game and give it everything. We have two massive games in front of us, but I think we’re in with great chance of reaching the World Cup.”

The draw for the play-offs was, as it proved, less than kind to Ireland, although while Given acknowledges the depth of talent in the French squad he is also quick to remind the pessimists that France were hardly awe-inspiring in the group stage of qualifying.

“They struggled,” he said, “I think everybody expected them to win the group but they only finished as runners-up. Some people would still say that France are the best team in the play-offs, but we’re just focusing on going out there and playing our own game. We knew it was going to be tough, no matter who we drew.” Their main strength? “Where do I start! They’ve got so many fantastic players. I think their attack is especially strong. Players like (Thierry) Henry, (Karim) Benzema and (Nicolas) Anelka are capable of winning any game. Franck Ribery is a loss, of course, but his replacement will be another quality player – France simply don’t have weak players.”

Given insists, though, that after an unbeaten campaign morale is high in the Irish camp and the players are confident they can beat the French. “I think second place was a good achievement. We were in a group with the world champions and a good Bulgaria side. We went unbeaten and gave the Italians two very close games that we could have won – we showed we can compete against the world’s top sides. We would have taken a play-off place before a ball was kicked, so we’ve got to be happy.

“We’ve got to keep it tight in the first leg. I think it’s important that we don’t concede. It won’t be easy against such quality strikers, but our defenders are capable of stopping them. I think it will be a tight game, so hopefully we can take our chances. I actually think 0-0 would be a good result for us.

“It’s going to be a very special occasion at Croke Park. It will be sold out and the atmosphere will be absolutely electric, so I think this will work in our favour. The Irish supporters are very, very passionate and their support will give us a big lift.”

While the prospect, for the supporters at least, might be too painful to contemplate there is, of course, the possibility of penalties being required in Paris to settle the tie. Given superbly saved a penalty from James McFadden against Birmingham last week to earn a draw for City in the Premier League, but he still believes there’s more fortune than skill to the exercise.

“They’re just a lottery. Fortunately I have done okay with them in the past, so hopefully if it goes to penalties this will continue. But a lot of it is down to luck – although you can try to psyche the taker out of it a bit. It’s a win-win situation for keepers – the pressure is on the takers, they’re expected to score.” Whatever it takes, the Donegal man is pining for a second taste of playing in the World Cup finals. “It would mean a hell of a lot to the people of Ireland to qualify. There’s a lot of gloom and doom about with the recession, so it would be good to give the people something to look forward to. I played at the World Cup in 2002 and it was a great experience, the pinnacle of my career so far. I’d love to do that again. I think we’re in with a great chance.”