Givens takes swipe at Thornton

Don Givens has urged Sunderland midfielder Sean Thornton to clean up his act.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Don Givens has urged Sunderland midfielder Sean Thornton to clean up his act if he is to flourish in the game.

Thornton has been placed on the transfer list by Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, with the Black Cats chief seemingly unhappy with the player's attitude, and Givens has now hit out at the midfielder after he failed to report for an Under-21 get-together.

"Sean was asked to come but didn't show up," said Givens. "I got a call from his agent three days later to say he'd flown off on holiday somewhere.

"Sean should have called me. He's not in my squad for the Israel game and I won't be contacting him to tell him why. He should know why."

Givens has suggested Thornton has harmed his chances of making next year's World Cup finals by not reporting for Under-21 duty.

"Brian Kerr was looking at Sean as having an outside chance of making the senior squad if we make it to the World Cup finals," added Givens.

"Sean needs to take a good look at himself in the mirror. It's a shame, because the lad's got ability.

"With his current attitude, I couldn't recommend him to anyone. If someone asked me I'd have to tell them the truth or I'd lose credibility.

"He will be blaming everyone else for his situation, but he should examine his own attitude and his own commitment."