Shay calls it a day for Ireland

After 125 caps, and over 16 years of service, Shay Given has retired from international football.

We knew that we would lose one or two of our stalwarts after Euro 2012 and the first to hang up the boots, or gloves, is Shay Given.

The Aston Villa man announced today that after much thought he was quitting international football.

At 36, and with a history of back injuries, it is not as huge surprise that the Donegal man has reluctantly quit playing for Ireland. During the Euros, Given spoke of having a long think this summer about his future and now we know what the result of that soul search was.

For many Irish fans under 25, Given is the only keeper they have ever known so he will be missed by fans and team-mates a like.

Who may step in as the new No. 1 is a debate for another day. For now, it’s a fond farewell for Ireland’s most capped player.