Soccer

Shay Given ruled out of Poland decider with knee injury

39-year-old replaced in squad by Rob Elliot after being stretchered off in Germany win

Shay Given was stretchered off during Ireland’s 1-0 win over Germany and will miss Sunday’s game against Poland. Photograph: PA
Shay Given was stretchered off during Ireland’s 1-0 win over Germany and will miss Sunday’s game against Poland. Photograph: PA
Fri Oct 09 2015 - 17:21

Goalkeeper Shay Given is out of Ireland's Euro 2016 qualifying showdown with Poland on Sunday night.

The 39-year-old was carried from the field on a stretcher after damaging his right knee shortly before half-time in Thursday night’s 1-0 Group D victory over Germany.

He is to return to club Stoke and Newcastle's Rob Elliot has been drafted in as his replacement.

A Football Association of Ireland statement said: “Rob Elliot has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying game against Poland in Warsaw on Sunday, October 11.

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“The Newcastle United goalkeeper comes in as a replacement for Shay Given, who suffered a knee injury in the 1-0 victory over Germany and will report back to his club for further assessment.”

However, manager Martin O'Neill has been boosted by the return of defenders Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson from hamstring and calf problems respectively.

Victory in Warsaw would see Ireland qualify automatically for next summer’s finals in France, and they are already guaranteed a play-off place at worst.