Shay given a hand to Donegal
May 28, 2014
Former Ireland keeper Shay Given. INPHO
The 38-year-old, currently home on holidays in his native county, attended last Sunday's Ulster SFC win over Derry and he will be a guest of manager Jim McGuinness at training tonight.
"I have spoken to Jim McGuinness a few times and he wanted me to go up training this week, so I think I will go tonight," Given revealed to the Herald.
"It's not really to do any coaching or hard work with the Donegal keepers, it's really just a case of mingling with the players, having a chat and seeing if there is anything I can help with.
"They're training tonight in MacCumhaill Park and Jim has asked me to go, so hopefully it will happen.
"I am quite good friends with Pat Shovelin, the goalkeeping coach, so I have an idea of what's going on in the Donegal squad."
The Irish soccer great is a big admirer of manager McGuinness and his achievement in guiding the county to Sam Maguire glory two years ago.
"What Jim has done with Donegal is only phenomenal and it was great to be there at the Derry game on Sunday.
"Jim gave the players a great team talk as they came out for the second half all fired up and won the game well, a great start to the Championship.
"Jim has had some stick from certain quarters, especially in parts of the media, but what he has done for Gaelic in Donegal is exceptional.
"The fitness levels, the commitment, the way the players look after themselves off the pitch, the way they can play different systems, so much of that is down to Jim and coaches across the country are looking up to him." Tweet
