Given injury fears allayed

Last updated : 08 September 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Given picked up the injury during the Republic’s 1-1 draw with Russia on Saturday, to add to the knee injury that necessitated a late fitness test before the game.

The 27-year-old has pulled out the Republic’s friendly against Turkey on Wednesday as a precaution, despite Kerr’s assertion that "neither of Shay's injuries are serious".

Already ruled out of the vital game at Goodison Park is Given’s understudy Steve Harper who has a hamstring injury, meaning Tony Caig is likely to be called into the first team squad as cover.