O’Shea and Given must prove Euro fitness or miss out on finals in Poland

Injured duo issued with ultimatum by Trapattoni

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Giovanni Trapattoni

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Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has told Shay Given and John O’Shea – Prove your fitness on Monday or miss Euro 2012.

The Italian issued the ultimatum after a Shane Long goal secured a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday.

Given (knee) and O’Shea (ankle) both missed the game with injury but flew to Ireland’s training camp in Italy on Sunday morning.

They must now prove their fitness in camp and play in next Monday’s friendly against Hungary in Budapest or miss Ireland’s first major championship in 10 years.

Trapattoni, who just declare his final squad on Tuesday, said: “They will have to show us on Monday they are ready. Richard Dunne showed that to us on Friday.”

Ireland were well worth the win over Bosnia in their final home game before the championships.

Trapattoni said: “The possession in the first and second half was a little bit less, but we had more opportunities, more shots around the box and also more corners and we deserved to win a very important game.

“We also made two little mistakes and Bosnia could have scored a goal. But we played well, with a good attitude, mentality and performance.”

Trapattoni was also pleased with Sunderland winger James McClean on his first start.

“In the first half, he played very well. We wished to give him immediately the opportunity because he needs to get confidence,” said Trapattoni.

“It is the first time he has played with Keane and Doyle - and he did very well, especially in the first half.

“In the second half, he went a little bit down. He was running too much and was a little bit tired, but for his first start, he played very well.”
 

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