Trap Tells Italy: Given As Good As Gigi

Given has long been regarded as one of the Premier League's most outstanding shot-stoppers, despite playing for the defensively suspect Newcastle United.

The Donegal native was linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer to replace the Bundesliga-bound Jens Lehmann, but he remained loyal to the embattled club who signed him from Blackburn Rovers in 1997.

With the ownership and managerial situation still unresolved at St James' Park, a number of players have been tipped to leave during the January transfer window.

It would seem Given has plenty of admirers in Serie A, and Trapattoni has encouraged a possible switch by comparing his number 1 to his Azzurri equivalent.

"I speak to two or three big managers who are my friends and they ask if I think Given can play in Italy with them," said the former Juventus, AC Milan and Internazionale coach.

"With his personality and quality, I feel he is as good as Gianluigi Buffon."

Given will captain Ireland when they take on Poland this evening, standing in for the injured Liverpool forward Robbie Keane.

Leslie May