Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given is confident that Coventry stopper Keiren Westwood is an ideal replacement between the sticks. The 26-year-old is set to make his competitive senior international debut in Saturday's qualifier against Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium with his hugely-experienced Manchester City counterpart injured.

Given told Irish broadcaster RTE: "The country is in safe hands. I have been very impressed by him since he has come into the squad.

"Clubs will be looking at him in the summer as I believe his contract is up and no disrespect to Coventry, but he can move to a bigger club.

"The whole country will be behind him and the team on Saturday."