Shay Given


In September 1992 Celtic signed 16 year-old goalkeeper Shay Given from Packie Bonner's home county of Donegal.

The teenager trained with Celts during the club's preseason trip to Ireland and decided to join the Parkhead club rather than take up offers from any of a host of top English clubs.

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United were among the sides south of the border keen to sign the Republic of Ireland youth international.

But the time spent with Celts in Dublin and Cork swayed the youngster.

Liam Brady said: "I'm a great believer in coincidences. Shay's the best keeper to come out of Ireland since Packie - and they're both from Donegal".

Shay, whose father Seamus was also a goalkeeper, sprang to prominence in 1991 when he played for Lifford Celtic chairman John Lee said: "Shay never looked out of place among much more experienced and physically stronger players.

"We had him for two years but as soon as I saw him I knew he had the makings of an outstanding goalkeeper.

He's an exceptional prospect. I'm as proud of him as his parents are"'

The youngster has also impressed Pat Bonner with his performances. Pat said: "I'm delighted to see him come here. It's good for him, Celtic and Ireland. There aren't any younger Irish keepers on the scene at the moment and, if he continues to work hard at his game he could well be coming through in three or four years time".

Shay collected under -16 international caps in the European Championship finals in Cyprus during the summer and recently graduated to the under-18 side.

Shay was highly regarded during his time at Celtic Park and was regarded as the natural successor to Pat Bonner. However, Former manager Lou Macari decided Stewart Kerr was the better long-term option and allowed Given to leave the club on a free transfer for Blackburn Rovers in 1994. After impressing Kenny Dalglish there, the former Celtic and Liverpool legend moved upon taking control at Newcastle to make given one of his first signings and accordingly, Shay has now finally become Paddy Bonner's successor - for the Republic of Ireland!!

P. Sweeney (Secretary)
Parkhead House,
Dungloe,
Co.Donegal.
Ireland.