Time To Know The Irish Defense

Shay Given decided at 33 years of age that he had enough at Newcastle United.  He couldn't refuse the offer when Manchester City came knocking on his door.  He did well enough at City this season while Newcastle was relegated.  Some fans are still bitter about Given's move from Tyneside but most will understand that he has been a fantastic servant and deserves premier football to end his career.   

At 6'1" weighing in at 186 lbs Given has been worth his weight in gold for the Republic of Ireland.  He has had two shut outs so far in the qualifiers and has allowed only 4 goals in 7 games.  Not bad considering his back line was blatantly at fault for most of the goals against.  Given was once again very comfortable between the pipes for Ireland against Bulgaria.   

His hometown is Lifford where he was awarded the freedom of County Donegal.  He's married and has two children.  Given is the role model in the Irish camp.  A great keeper to have in your team and a great leader who made his debut in 1996. He was sent on loan to Swindon Town in 1995 when he played for Blackburn Rovers. 

He played only 2 games for Rovers in the space of three seasons.  He played 5 games for Swindon then 17 for Sunderland where he was also on loan.  Finally he made his mark for Newcastle to go on and play 480 games from 1997 to 2009.  He looks set to remain in goal for City with 15 games under his belt. His idol was Peter Schmeichel.  Arsenal's legendary goalkeeper Bob Wilson compared Given to Gordon Banks.   

If Given remains healthy for the next 3 games, away to Cyprus then home to Italy and Montenegro, he will reach the century for Irish caps.  He is joint second with Kevin Kilbane for most caps.  He looks set to go beyond Steve Staunton on 102.  He is known as Lazarus to teammates and close friends.   

Richard Dunne Inspires Irish

Given now has a center half in front of him both for Ireland and Manchester City.  Dunne unchallenged for his goal against Bulgaria got all of his 6'2" and 210 lbs behind his header.  After losing the plot off the field a few years ago Dunne has since received 4 City Player of the Year Awards and the captaincy.   

There have been a few question marks over his defending.  He turns the ball into his own net a lot.  However he does not lack a yard and when on song he's as good as any central defender in the EPL.  He's beginning to prove that in Group Eight too.

With over 50 Irish caps to his name and with over 250 games for City Dunne at 29 is now Ireland's most consistent outfield defender.  Hail rain or snow Dunne will be there motivating the team to get the job done  His nickname is Dunney Monster because of his monstrous physique.  Dunne fits all the traits of the fighting Irish.    Sean St. Ledger One To Watch 

He hardly put a foot wrong against Bulgaria as pressure mounted on Ireland in the second half.  He slotted perfectly in the middle alongside Dunne  St. Ledger was thrown in the deep end and the Preston North End defender did not disappoint.  Giovanni Trapattoni must be very proud of his 24 year old who enabled the manager to move John O'Shea out on the right. 

While Dunney Monster devoured Bulgaria's attack the Saint was there to cover and clean up.  The partnership worked and Ledger's performance has put him on the radar for one to watch.  He got the call from Steve Staunton for Euro 2008.  Staunton learned that Ledger's grandfather is from Carlow.   

Beaten 1-0 by Sheffield United in a play off game Preston came close to premiership status.  The club has come a long way.  Ledger has played a big part in their return to success playing in 48 games this season. 

He is an automatic choice at Preston.  Now the central defender has given Trapattoni more options to get the back line even tighter.

Kevin Kilbane Defies All Odds

Ireland's weakest link for the last few games and once again responsible for giving a goal away.  Kilbane handed the Bulgarians their goal on a silver platter.  Born in Preston England the 32-year-old Kilbane opted to play for Ireland.  Not that England was banging the door down.

He's been around a few clubs since he left Preston North End.  West Brom, Sunderland, Everton, Wigan and Hull have all seen something in the left-winger come fullback.   

What that is some of us are still trying to figure out.  The Irish fans have christened their adopted son from Preston with the nickname Zinedine Kilbane.  Knowing the Irish sense of humor that's probably sarcasm.   

At Sunderland he was associated with the phrase "The Curse of Kilbane."  He got some terrible stick from the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light when things were going wrong for the team.  How did he make it as a professional player?   It's mind boggling how he did it.

It's even more mind boggling that managers and Ireland continue to play him at all never mind left full.  It's almost a phenomenon  Not many will recall his flash of brilliance at the end of the game against Bulgaria.  The 1-1 result may just over shadow his giveaway.  Bulgaria went after the left side in the first half and Kilbane's area was exposed. Apparently that doesn't matter.  Ireland moves on as Kilbane defies all odds and criticisms.  He could easily make another world cup tournament.  Not many players can say that.  One thing is for sure.  Whatever Kilbane brings to the team Trapattoni clearly believes in his Zinedine.  It's not just about knowing your players it's about believing in them too.