“I couldn't believe what I was seeing, he was holding his hand like it was it was falling off!" Shay Given says while shaking his head, thinking back to the days of himself as a goalkeeper.
It is fair to say, Given wasn't too impressed with Matheus Nunes having to be subbed off in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen because of a dislocated finger. At least Given didn't play on when he punctured a lung during a game and woke up in hospital, but he did with a dislocated finger in a game against Charlton.
“I took my glove off and my finger was pointing the wrong way, so I pulled it back in myself. Then, when I bent my hand it jumped straight back out again, so I got the physio to strap it up to keep it in position and put my glove back on."
Take that, Nunes, who most likely won't feature on Sunday when Manchester City rock up at Anfield for a cracker against Premier League top dogs Liverpool. One who will feature is Caomhin Kelleher, who has been collecting big headlines lately while deputising for the injured Alisson.
“It is just nice to see him getting a run in the team. I think he's shown to himself and to everyone at Liverpool and people on the outside how good he is," Given says of the keeper who pulled off a couple of great saves again in the Europa League against Sparta Prague.
“The Cup final (against Chelsea) was a standout performance, but I'm not surprised of his level and obviously the question is now what happens once Alisson comes back. In any other position he would probably stay in the team because he's played at such a high level, and you understand now why Liverpool didn't want to let him go."
Rumours had Kelleher swapping Anfield for various other places last summer and Given wouldn't advise him against a change of scenery.
“I'd love to see him stay at Liverpool, but bottom line is that because Alisson's such a top keeper as well, he'll probably end up back on the bench and my advice would be to try and leave in the summer. He's also got his Irish international future to think about as well and he's 25 now and not a kid anymore,"Given explains of the situation Kelleher finds himself in.
For now, Kelleher can focus on playing Manchester City on Sunday, which has all the ingredients of being a banger.
“Manchester City haven't got a great record at Anfield over the years and we all know how difficult it is to go there. Then of course there's the added spice with Jurgen Klopp and this being his last game against City in the Premier League. There are so many ingredients to this game," says Given who is looking forward to a possible title-decider, although Arsenal might want a say in that.
“A draw would play it into the hands of Arsenal, and I find a draw very likely," Given admits of the match-up which saw their first encounter this season finishing 1-1. The Irishman also expects Anfield to have a big say in the matter once again.
“It's going to be a very spicy atmosphere, second to none really with the crowd cheering every single tackle or challenge and Jürgen Klopp will have everyone fired up. Not just the players but the fans as well, should they need reminding,"Given states with a small chuckle. So how does he see this game turning out?
“It is obviously two great sets of players and it's so hard to call, but Liverpool probably have a slight advantage. With Mo Salah back and Nunez got two goals against on Thursday. I'm not saying Manchester City will be shying away but it's probably one of the most difficult places to go in the Premier League."
Anfield or not, Shay Given nevertheless sticks to his initial feeling when pressed for a tip on the outcome.
“I'm going with 2-2."
Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.com.
