http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007140187,00.htmlyou think Keano is making a valid point??
ROY KEANE has launched a bizarre attack on Shay Given for playing in every game for Ireland.
Sunderland boss Keane has accused Newcastle’s keeper of constantly picking up caps just to get “a pat on the back”.
Former Republic skipper Keane says Given should not play in every friendly and give other keepers a chance.
Given, 30, will equal Packie BonnerÂ’s 80-cap record for an Ireland keeper when he captains the team in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia at Croke Park tomorrow night.
But Keane said: “I think players have agendas — certain players come over all the time no matter what.
“Maybe they want to get 50 or 100 caps and a pat on the back for it.
“I think Shay’s one of these ones — he wants to get 200 caps.
“He seems to have played every game, even friendlies. You have other keepers, who travel all the time. Then, when they do play, they’re taken off.
“I’ve always thought, when it comes to the lads who travel all the time, ‘Give them a game’.
“Qualifiers you have to win — but with friendly matches, give the lads who travel a game and don’t be changing them at half-time, give them a full game.”
But ex-Celtic keeper Bonner has leapt to Given’s defence — and praised him for his desire to play every match for the Republic. He said: “Shay is a fantastic ambassador for his country.
KEANE ... blast
KEANE ... blast
“He wants to play for his country and it’s got nothing to do with pats on the back.
“He does not want to relinquish that No 1 shirt and I’m delighted he’s equalling my record.”
Bonner, 46, trained with Given when he was the Ireland goalkeeping coach.
He added: “In all my days working with him, I do not remember a training session when Shay was sloppy or did not give 100 per cent.”
Keane upset the Ireland camp ahead of their 1-0 win against Wales on Saturday by singling out some of the high-profile names as underachievers.
He also questioned manager Steve StauntonÂ’s selection policy.
Keane was sent home from the Ireland camp in Japan before the 2002 World Cup got underway following a bust-up with then-boss Mick McCarthy.
He briefly returned to help Brian KerrÂ’s bid to get the Irish to the last World Cup, which failed.
Keane also left Manchester United after a flare-up with the management and players.
He is now flying high in his first season as boss of Sunderland as they home in on automatic promotion to the Premiership.
Republic midfielder Stephen Ireland, who scored the winner against Wales in Dublin, is expected to be fit tomorrow.
The Manchester City star suffered a groin injury and had to be substituted in the second half.
Striker Robbie Keane is banned after picking up a second yellow card. ReadingÂ’s Kevin Doyle replaces him.
