Given return a reflection on dearth of goalkeeping options

It appears that the rumours surrounding Shay Given's possible return to international football may have some genuine substance, as the Donegal man confirmed a willingness to return for competitive matches 'if needed' by Trapattoni. Taking into account the goalkeeper's relentless pursuit of caps between 1996 and 2012, his statement carries more weight than the vague, conditional overtures made by the likes of Steven Reid and Stephen Ireland in recent years. However, after Given's horror show in Poland, and the less-than-stellar form exhibited on his rare outings for Aston Villa, there is an air of panic about his possible recall. With Keiren Westwood out of favour at Sunderland, Stephen Henderson, Mark Bunn and David Forde are the only Irish-qualified goalkeepers in the top two divisions in England currently playing first-team football. Mark Bunn is obviously the man in form, and has expressed an interest in playing for Ireland, but has yet to pursue the relevant documentation, and was not included in Trapattoni's latest squad. Also, he may find it difficult to hold down a first-team place for Norwich when their regular first choice, England international John Ruddy, comes back from injury.  In that context, Given's potential return is not a surprise. It may be the shove that Westwood needs to find himself a new club.

'Potential Irishman' - Norwich City's Mark Bunn

Elsewhere, the FAI have announced the nominations for their annual cringe-worthy awards ceremony pageant. Kevin Doyle, James McCarthy and Keith Andrews are nominated for the senior gong, which reflects the fact that few players came out of 2012 with much credit at international level. Andrews' nomination seems based on nothing more than his damage limitation efforts at the Euros, while Doyle's main contribution to 2012 came as a substitute against Kazakhstan. James McCarthy started half of Ireland's twelve games in the calendar year, and only showed glimpses of his impressive club form in the second half against the Faroe Islands. In the EPL, the likes of Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and Wes Hoolahan have shown better pedigree than any of the nominees, but none have been regulars for Ireland over the past twelve months, which tells its own story. 24-year-old Coleman is nominated for the 'Young' player of the year award, along with McCarthy and Robbie Brady.