Biography
Who is Shay Given?
Early life and real name
Séamus John James Given was born in Lifford, Ireland. He started playing for a local team called Lifford Celtic. He conceded seven goals during his first game for them. His play in an FAI Junior Cup semi-final helped him get noticed. At 14, he trained with Celtic during their 1991 tour of Ireland. He signed for the Scottish club one year later. He was on the bench for the Old Firm derby against Rangers on January 1, 1994. He never played a first-team match for Celtic. The club offered him a one-year contract before he left.
Professional start and early loans
Shay moved to Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer in 1994. He struggled to replace Tim Flowers as the main goalkeeper. He went on loan to Swindon Town and won the Football League Second Division title in 1995-96. He also joined Sunderland on loan in January 1996. He kept 12 clean sheets in 17 games and won the First Division title. He debuted for Blackburn on September 24, 1996, against Brentford. His Premier League debut came on December 14, 1996, in a loss to Wimbledon. He kept a clean sheet against Derby County on December 28.
Career at Newcastle United
Newcastle United signed Shay in 1997 for 1.5 million pounds. He played in the 1998 FA Cup final but lost to Arsenal. He was a runner-up again in the 1999 FA Cup final. In November 1997, Dion Dublin scored a strange goal against him. Shay requested a transfer in December 2000 after a thigh injury. Manager Bobby Robson rejected the request. He later withdrew it to show his frustration. He saved a penalty from Fabrizio Ravanelli in November 2001. He earned a spot in the 2001-02 and 2005-06 Premier League Team of the Season.
Later clubs and retirement
Shay Given played every league game in the 2001-02 season. Newcastle finished fourth in the league that year. He competed in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup. He joined Manchester City on February 1, 2009, for 6 million pounds. He signed a four and a half year contract. On July 18, 2011, he joined Aston Villa for about 3.5 million pounds. He signed a five-year deal with them. In July 2015, he moved to Stoke City. He played there for two seasons before retiring.
International career with Ireland
Shay earned 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland. He is the second-most capped player for his country. He is a member of the FIFA Century Club. He played all games during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He helped Ireland reach the knockout stage. He played in Paris during a 2010 World Cup play-off loss to France. He helped the team qualify for UEFA Euro 2012 and played in the tournament. Martin O'Neill picked him for the Euro 2016 squad. He did not play in those matches. He retired internationally in July 2016 with 52 clean sheets.
Birthday and age
Shay Given was born on April 20, 1976, which makes Shay 50 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Shay shares the date with 26 other famous people.
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