Giovanni Trapattoni has welcomed the news that Shay Given wants to play for Ireland again – and will welcome him back.

The Irish manager has responded to reports that Given is ready to return just months after he retired in the wake of Euro 2012.

The Aston Villa ‘keeper has made it known that he is willing to add his experience to the World Cup campaign.

Given has told the Irish Sun that he will consider his international future in the New Year.

And Trapattoni has welcomed the development ahead of the crunch World Cup clash away to Sweden in March.

Trapattoni told the paper that he will talk with the Donegal legend this week with a view to a recall for the Poland friendly in February.

Trap said: “I am very happy that Shay has got over the disappointment of the Euros and would be happy to see him available again.

“I will be in touch with him to discuss it shortly.”
Given hinted in his weekly column for the Irish Sun that he is ready to do a u-turn and add to his 125 caps.

The paper reports that he quit after the European Championship disappointment to concentrate on his club career but has fallen out of favor at Villa.

Given writes in the Irish Sun: “I do miss playing for Ireland and we will see what happens in 2013.”