Shay Given

Seamus John James ‘Shay’ Given is an Irish football player who currently features for the English Premier League club Manchester City. He is a goalkeeper and is also considered as one of the best in his position in the English top flight.

Given developed at the youth academy of Celtic in 1993 and although he was on their books until 1997, he did not play any Scottish Premier League match. He played for Swindon Town and Sunderland on loan as well as for Blackburn Rovers.

In 1997 Given was signed by Newcastle United and he quickly established himself as a first choice regular. He played over 350 Premier League matches for Newcastle since then and became a huge favourite of the fans as well as the club’s vice-captain.

Given was named in the PFA Team of the Year twic e(in 2002 and 2008) and was voted as the Newcastle Player of the Year as well as the FAI Player of the Year in 2008. He joined Manchester City in 2009.

Given made his international debut for Republic of Ireland in 1996 and has played over 100 matches for his nation. He played for his nation at the 2002 World Cup.