Shay Given will get a bit of football action for the first time in ages. He is on the bench for Manchester City all season with Joe Hart keeping him out of the team. He is still the Republic of Irelands number one choice even without first team football. The Donegal native will win his 110th cap tongiht and if he stays fit and healthy he will probably break all caps records Worldwide in years to come.
He told http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0208/givens.html
'It is nice to play. If I wasn't picked I don't have a case to say I should be playing because I'm not playing for my club. It's thanks to Mr Trapattoni that I'm starting.
'I'm just delighted and I want to play football. I have trained more than I have ever trained. When you're playing, the next day you have a warm-down, so I've just stuck to training.
'I'm working harder than normal and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.'
'I thought there was a possibility (of moving) towards the end of the transfer window but the club wanted me to stay,' he said.
'When you are a player you probably only think about yourself but you have got to respect what the club want as well. We are in three competitions this year with a realistic chance of winning all three.
'It is frustrating for me but who knows in football? Things can change very quickly. We have a lot of games coming up and anything could happen.'
Given spoke about his former Newcastle team-mate and Wales boss Gary Speed
"I played many games with him and am looking forward to seeing him again.'
Gary Speed said about Given on www.rte/sport.ie
'I am not surprised he hasn't left City because he is the best keeper in the country,' he said.
'For me he is up there with Neville Southall as one of the best keepers I have ever played with. That is how highly I rate him.
'Last season, without him, City would have got 15-20 less points. I am surprised he is not in the team but Joe Hart is also a great keeper.
'It is just sad a keeper of such talent is not playing week in, week out.'