Given fit to join Ireland squad

Goalkeeper Shay Given will join up with the Republic of Ireland squad in Wales tonight after coming through a Newcastle training session without aggravating a long-standing groin problem.

Given has not played since the league match with Reading a fortnight ago but has informed Ireland's caretaker manager Don Givens that he can train in Wales tomorrow.

The Donegal man visited a groin specialist on Monday where he was informed he could resume training with his club this week.

But so concerned are Newcastle that the 31-year-old could suffer a setback, they are expected to send their own physiotherapist to accompany Given in Wales.

Whether or not he can prove his fitness ahead of Saturday's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales remains to be seen, but Givens will afford him time and will not finalise the team until later in the week.

Birmingham's Colin Doyle and Scunthorpe United's Joe Murphy are standing-by should Given miss out.

Bobby Robson, who closes out his term as international football consultant this weekend, will join Given on the flight from Newcastle this evening.

"Bobby's experience is immense," said Givens today.  "He has done it all over the world and been successful as a great manager.

"I've spoken to him almost every day, and again last night, and you can't help but learn from somebody like Bobby Robson.

"He's been a little unfortunate in his time with Ireland that his health was not slightly better.  That was a disadvantage, certainly I would say to Steve (Staunton).

"But while he is there and anything he can give, then I will be willing to take because he is a great football man."

Having faced a spate of withdrawals yesterday, Givens suffered another blow today when losing Leeds United midfielder Jonathan Douglas to a hamstring injury.

Reading winger Stephen Hunt and Sunderland defender Paul McShane both sat out today's training session nursing minor knocks from the weekend.

But Givens said the measure was purely precautionary and expects both players to be fit for the weekend game in Cardiff.

McShane is carrying a slight calf strain but his club manager Roy Keane said: "I've been told that it's not too serious and he won't have to come home."

Defenders Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly and Andy O'Brien all withdrew yesterday with Alex Bruce and Darren O'Dea drafted in.

Ian Harte and Kevin Foley were also asked to join the squad last night but had to decline because of respective hip and ankle injuries.

"It's unfortunate what has happened this week," said Givens of the injuries.

"When I got to Sunday evening without a phone call I thought I was home and dry, but they (injuries) are coming thick and fast now.

"They are all in one area of the team as well, which gives us a bit of a problem, but we will just have to deal with it.

"The boys here have already proved they can do it, so I don't have fears for any of them."

Wales manager John Toshack expects striker Rob Earnshaw to be fit despite missing training today with flu.

Jason Koumas has joined the squad but Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy are out injured.