Trap - Given as good as Buffon

Ireland coach lauds goalkeeper after Montenegro draw

Last updated: 11th September 2008

Trap - Given as good as Buffon

Given: As good as Buffon

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Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni feels Shay Given can be put in the same bracket as Gianluigi Buffon.

Given has been a stalwart for his country for the past decade and produced another impressive display in Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Montenegro.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper pulled off a fine stop to deny Montenegro's Stevan Jovetic to maintain Ireland's unbeaten start to the 2010 World Cup qualifying programme.

Trapattoni has been hugely impressed by Given and believes he can be rated the equal of the world's most expensive goalkeeper Buffon.

Commands team

"I have seen many, many games in the past and I know Shay's quality," said Trapattoni. "I [Trapattoni's team] played against Newcastle with Stuttgart and I know he is a very, very good goalkeeper.

"Last night, when the ball was deflected, I saw it going towards the post and I thought it was a goal.

"But Shay saved it and for me, he is one of the best in Europe, the same as Buffon.

"He has a very, very good personality and he commands the team, but quietly.

"We have a saying in Italy that once you praise somebody too much, you have to touch wood, but his performance last night was very good."