Shay Given feels McQueen criticism unwarranted

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has hit back at comments made by Gordon McQueen over the reception awaiting Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy at Celtic Park on Friday night.

The former Scotland and Manchester United defender said he hopes McGeady and McCarthy get “a horrible reception, because they deserve it”’ in the Euro 2016 qualifier, because the two Glasgow-born footballers elected to play for Ireland.

Aston Villa ‘keeper Given has criticised the negativity towards McGeady and McCarthy ahead of the qualifier, saying: “I felt the comments were a little bit out of order, what I’ve read in the last couple of days.

“I think the Scottish team have got some players who weren’t born in Scotland as well so I thought it was a bit unfair on both James and Aiden to get so personal.

“You could go round every country in Europe and say there are players playing who weren’t born there playing for them. You can go through the Scotland squad and see some of their players not being born in Scotland. That’s not having a go at the Scottish lads, that’s just the rules.

“Aiden and James are great players and that’s probably why we’re stood here talking about them, because the Scottish wish they were both playing for Scotland.”

Three of the Scotland squad for Friday night’s game were born in England, as was Phil Bardsley who had to withdraw due to injury, and Given believes neither McGeady or McCarthy will be affected by the reception awaiting them.

He added: “They’re both great players and they’ll both be ready for Friday night and I’m sure they’ll both be up for it.

“He (McGeady) is well used to it with Celtic and the Old Firm. He’s right on top of his game as we’ve seen in Georgia - he’s a fantastic player and hard to deal with.”

Manager Martin O’Neill echoed Given’s comments: “I suppose any amount of pleading isn’t going to prevent anything that may occur.

“But they’re very fine players and I think they’re able to cope with anything that may come their way. The game is the most important thing - the only thing in fact - everything else is periphery.”

Despite no longer being first choice number one Given is looking forward to Friday’s fixture and a trip to the home of his boyhood club, Celtic.

Given said: “Celtic Park is special place to play football, and it’s a big occasion for everyone.

“It should be hostile enough. We’ve got 3,000 tickets so it’s going to be a spicy atmosphere but as a professional footballer that’s what you want, you want to be playing in big games and it’s going to be a great atmosphere to play football in.”