Shay Given admits it felt like the Republic of Ireland had been dumped out of the World Cup after drawing with Italy.
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Shay Given has admitted it felt like the Republic of Ireland had been dumped out of the World Cup after Italy denied them a famous victory on Saturday.
Italy scored a dramatic equaliser in the final minute through substitute Alberto Gilardino to end Ireland's hopes of automatic qualification and secure World Cup holders Italy their place in next summer's finals.
The result means Giovanni Trapattoni's men will have to content themselves with a spot in the play-offs after seeing their hopes of a famous win over the reigning world champions snatched away from them.
Given, who is in line to win his 100th cap against Montenegro on Wednesday, admitted the result was a real blow to the side's morale after an impressive showing from the home side.
"For them to score so near the end was a real kick in the teeth," said Given.
"I know in all likelihood they probably would have beaten Cyprus on Wednesday night, but it would have just put them under pressure and given us a real lift.
Low
"To be honest, we all felt really low and it actually felt like we had been knocked out of the World Cup. I know we haven't, but that's how it felt.
"But time is a great healer. We will kick on on Wednesday night and hopefully seal the campaign with a win and then see who we get in the play-offs."
Given found himself at odds with manager Giovanni Trapattoni as he urged Sean St Ledger, who scored Ireland's second goal, forward in the closing stages and the Manchester City keeper insists there is no problem with his manager
"We had a bit of a row, but it is about opinions, I suppose, football," added Given.
"He wanted to see the game out at 1-1, but I felt we could maybe nick it with three minutes to go.
"It is not about being right or wrong, it is just about what I felt was right at the time, and if we had seen it out after that we would have been a lot happier."
No fear
The Republic now face a two-legged play-off against one of four seeded sides - the quartet currently looks likely to comprise France, Russia, Portugal and Greece - but Given insists they should be afraid of no-one.
"We have shown we should have nothing to fear from any team in the play-offs," noted Given.
"We are unbeaten in the group and we had to play the world champions twice, so we should take a lot of confidence from that.
"Whoever we meet will be difficult, but we have to believe we can get through it."
