Thursday, March 4, 2010

Shay Given backs Wilson & Duffy's decision to play for Ireland


Shay Given has backed the FAI's policy of recruiting players born in the North of Ireland who are willing to commit their international future to the Ireland team.

And the Donegal man, who revealed that he was eligible to play for Northern Ireland as his late mother was born in the six counties, says that players should be allowed to make up their own minds on their international futures without being forced into a decision by officials from the IFA.

Given has welcomed the arrival of players like Marc Wilson from Antrim and Shane Duffy from Derry on the scene for Ireland.

"I could have played for Northern Ireland as my mum was from Castlederg in Tyrone, so it's up to the players," says Given, who was born in Lifford, Co Donegal, less than a mile across the border from Stranbane in Tyrone.

"As far as I am aware, it's up to the players to choose who they want to play for and I think it's great they want to pick Ireland," added Given.

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