Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has likened Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given with Juventus great Gigi Buffon.

He said: "I have seen many, many games in the past and I know Shay's quality. I [Trapattoni's team] played against Newcastle with Stuttgart and I know he is a very, very good goalkeeper.

"Last night, when the ball was deflected, I saw it going towards the post and I thought it was a goal.

"But Shay saved it and for me, he is one of the best in Europe, the same as Buffon.

"He has a very, very good personality and he commands the team, but quietly.

"We have a saying in Italy that once you praise somebody to much, you have to touch wood, but his performance last night was very good."