Given calls time on international career

Shay Given has announced his retirement from international football.

The current Stoke City goalkeeper, has decided to step down from the Irish national team in an effort to prolong his club career with the Potters.

The 40-year-old Lifford man travelled with the squad to France as part of Martin O'Neill's Euro 2016 squad but was an unused sub.

Given won 134 caps during his 20-year senior career after making his debut as a 19-year-old in March 1996.

He has made almost 500 appearances at club level to date during his club playing career.

As well as Stoke, his club teams have included Blackburn Rovers, Swindon Town (loan), Sunderland (loan), Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough (loan).

He joined Glasgow Celtic from Lifford Celtic in 1991, but failed to make a first team appearance during his three seasons at Parkhead.