SHAY GIVEN WAS stretchered off on the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Germany in their penultimate Group 4 Euro 2016 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night.
The Lifford native (pictured above) was winning his 133rd cap but was forced to retire just before the interval with what appeared to be a twisted knee.
Darren Randolf replaced Given in goal and set up the only goal of the game as his clearance was latched onto by Shane Long, who buried the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 70th minute.
The victory, coupled with Poland’s 2-2 draw at Hampden Park against Scotland means Ireland are guaranteed at least a play-off spot in third place.
A win on Sunday in Warsaw will guarantee Martin O’Neill’s side automatic qualification to next year’s final in France, as will a draw of 2-2 or a share of the spoils of any higher score.
Seamus Coleman from Killybegs was an absentee last night with a hamstring injury but has a chance of playing on Sunday.
Here’s Shane Long’s goal …
https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=ceG7EUOjDGg
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