Shay Given’s Euro 2016 hopes take a blow with Stoke omission

SHAY GIVEN’S HOPES of being the Republic of Ireland No1 for Euro 2016 have taken a setback with his omission from the Stoke City side this afternoon.

The Lifford native declared himself available for selection for Stoke whilst working as an analyst for Setanta Sports for Ireland’s 2-2 draw against Slovakia in Dublin.

However, Mark Hughes, the Stoke manager, has opted for Jakob Haugaard to face Swansea City in the Premier League take over from Jack Butland, who broke an ankle in England’s 3-2 win over Germany.

Given’s prospects for club and country seemed to be on the up as Newcastle United’s Rob Elliot suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Slovakia.

Given was first choice for Ireland manager Martin O’Neill for last year’s crunch qualifiers against Poland, Scotland and Germany but was stretchered off in the latter fixture and West Ham United’s Darren Randolf has played every competitive fixture since.

WATCH | Mark Bowen discusses this afternoon’s #SCFC Starting XI against @SwansOfficial at the Britannia Stadium.https://t.co/clXkMfpsgM

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) April 2, 2016