Career Summary

Shay Given is Ireland's most capped goalkeeper. And on Wednesday, October 14, against Montenegro at Croke Park he reached a significant landmark by playing in his 100th senior international for Ireland.

Shay began his career at Celtic before moving to Blackburn Rovers in 1994. However he found it hard to displace Tim Flowers there and as a result he had two loan spells with Swindon and Sunderland before moving to Newcastle United in July 1997.

Shay, who won his first Senior cap against Russia in March '96, was a consistently outstanding player for Newcastle throughout his time there. He remained typically loyal to Newcastle until the club was relegated from the Premier Division in the 2008/'09 season and Manchester City stepped in with an offer he could not refuse.

He became Ireland's most capped goalkeeper while at Newcastle, ahead of Packie Bonner, and he has continued to maintain his impressive form for Ireland under a succession of managers.

Ireland's match against Slovakia on 28/03/07 was a particularly proud occasion for on that day Given captained Ireland and equalled Packie Bonner's record of 80 caps. Shay was transferred to Manchester City in January, 2009 after twelve years at Newcastle.

Giovanni Trapattoni appointed Given captain to mark his 100th Cap when Ireland played Montenegro in the World Cup qualifier.