Shay Given showed no signs of disappointment today despite missing out on the Republic of Ireland captaincy to striker Robbie Keane.

The goalkeeper was tipped to succeed Kenny Cunningham following the Birmingham defender's recent international retirement but was told nearly three weeks ago he would not be taking the armband.

Manager Steve Staunton met with Given on 11 February after Newcastle's game with Aston Villa and spent 20 minutes with him outlining plans that would see the 29-year-old act as Keane's vice-captain.

“I've never been vice-captain or even captain before so this is great. I've been around the squad now for 10 fantastic years and I've enjoyed every minute of it and hopefully there'll be many more.

“It's added responsibility now with myself and Robbie helping out the younger lads coming into the squad. We'll try help them settle in.”

Now a veteran of this squad with 74 caps, Given's first role in his new role will be to “make life easier” for the six uncapped players in Staunton's squad for tomorrow's friendly with Sweden – two of whom are in from the start.

“It'll be a big night for Joey O'Brien and Kevin Doyle who make their debuts tomorrow,”says Given.

“Everyone remembers their debut so I'm sure they'll be madly excited and be on the phone all day to the friends and relatives."

Given, more than most, knows the pressure of international debuts, having made his own against Russia aged just 19.

“That was certainly young for a goalkeeper,” he concedes.

“So, it's a big time in their (O'Brien and Doyle) lives and myself and Robbie will be on hand to try help them out and make life a little easier."