Proud Shay Given closes the curtain on Republic career after 134 caps

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has retired from international football.

The 40-year-old, who was part of Martin O'Neill's Euro 2016 squad but did not play, steps down after winning 134 caps to concentrate on his Stoke career.

In a letter posted on Twitter, he wrote: "I'm one of the very lucky ones who got to wear the jersey for his country and the badge with pride 134 times. But now it's time to hang up the gloves and move from the onion bag to the terraces, where I'll be shouting the lads on as one of the Republic's biggest fans."

Thanks to all the irish fans around the world pic.twitter.com/KSS1U6yZPl

— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) July 28, 2016

Meanwhile, Leigh Griffiths has brushed off his clash with Igor Shitov after FC Astana posted a clip of the incident which earned the Celtic striker a yellow in Wednesday's 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan.

The Tweet translates to 'Griffiths punches Shitov in the match' and the footage shows the Hoops forward appearing to push the Belarus international defender to the ground.

Griffiths said: "There was a bit of handbags and one of their men went down. Both of us could have been booked."

Belfast Telegraph