Former Premier League and Irish goalkeeper Shay Given put on his gloves once again yesterday, this time for a different cause. The now-pundit agreed to face 12 hours of relentless penalties in aid of Sports Relief 2018.
Given played 134 times for the Republic of Ireland before his retirement and agreed to the challenge in order to benefit those in need. Sports Relief is a BBC project in order to help disadvantaged people around the world with this year's efforts going towards maternal health, malaria and mental health projects.
Thanks to everyone who came out today to take penalties against me, think it was around 2500 but more importantly put money in the bucket for a great cause in @sportrelief hope we’ve all raised loads 🙏🏼
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) March 24, 2018
⚽️ @no1shaygiven can do this all day...
In fact, he is! All in aid of #SportRelief
📲 https://t.co/SfdNQhrqd1 #5liveaside pic.twitter.com/d5UxXVeI3i— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) March 23, 2018
Shay Given saved my penalty, but in all fairness it was going straight for his head. Intentionally... #MUFC
All credit to him - been going all day in the cold and he’s been great value when youngsters have been taking pens against him. #SportRelief— James Coatsworth (@j_coatsworth) March 23, 2018
Got to hand it to @No1shaygiven today/night. Putting it in for @sportrelief @MediaCityUK he must have made a fortune..I spent £15 and nearly broke my ankle pic.twitter.com/P69DqhNlw8
— Woody (@woody20023) March 24, 2018
So impressed with @No1shaygiven at @sportrelief yesterday. 12 hours saving penalties is one thing but he spoke to everyone, had photos with all who asked, spent time talking to all the kids & never stopped smiling. Well played that man... even though you saved this one 😫 pic.twitter.com/af4jENB1j4
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) March 24, 2018
Given was released by Stoke City at the end of last year having spent much of the year on loan at Middlesborough. The 42-year-old did retire from international football in 2016 but never officially retired from the game.
He returned to work straight away, appearing on BBC's football focus this morning to discuss the future of English shot-stopper Jordan Pickford. Given his exploits over the past 24 hours, it may serve as a reminder to any potential suitors as to the ability he still has.
