Manchester City's Shay Given Thanks Fans At Anfield For Support After Irish WCQ Debacle

Irish keeper's pain eased by support at Anfield…

23-Nov-2009 11:15:44 PM

More On :  Manchester City, Shay Given
EPL: Shay Given, Manchester City v Middlesbrough (PA)
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has revealed that the reception he received from both sets of supporters at Liverpool on Saturday helped ease the pain of the Republic of Ireland's controversial World Cup exit to France last week.
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Both City and 'Pool fans acclaimed the keeper on his entrance to the ground and Given was gratified that supporters took the time to make him feel welcome at Anfield.

"I think the Kop is well known for giving goalkeepers a good reception but Saturday was even more special after what happened on Wednesday. I want to thank them and our fans for the support they gave me," he told City's official website.

"It was an emotional week for me – it would have been nice to win the game on Saturday but it was not a bad point away at Liverpool.

"I had not slept much since the Wednesday night, but something like that does give you a lift, and the support of all the lads at the club has been great as well."

The game on Saturday kicked off at lunchtime and Given was pleased that the early start gave him an opportunity to quickly put international disappointment behind him.

"I had to turn around quickly with an early kick-off on Saturday to try to put Wednesday behind me," he explained.

"It was hard, but we have some really big games coming up fast and it's getting exciting for us so I had to switch on straight away, but all the backing I had gave me a massive lift."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

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