Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have both pulled out of England's friendly with Germany in Berlin on Wednesday, and Toon keeper Shay Given has perhaps made his comments about "national pride" at the wrong time.
After all ... we play Chelsea at The Bridge on Saturday and, with our poor record there, the last thing we want to do is fire-up Lampard!
Hey Shay - Is That A Dig At Gerrard And Lampard?
By Nu Mad
Updated Wednesday, 19th November 2008
Shay says he cannot understand players who do not grab the chance to play for their country ... friendly or not.
The Irishman insists there is no such thing as a "meaningless international friendlies" and the 32-year-old will lead out the Republic of Ireland against Poland at Croke Park on Wednesday night as proud as ever.
Given: "It's great to play for your country - I don't see why players don't want to play sometimes.
"For me, from day one since my first cap to my 91st cap tomorrow, it's ever so special to play for your country.
"You want to finish your career and look back and think you did all you could to play for your country.
"It's a proud moment to pull on the shirt for Ireland, and that will never change.
"It's a friendly, so I am hoping the lads can express themselves a little bit more and enjoy the game because there is not the big pressure of a World Cup qualifying game.
"They can maybe go out and perform with a little bit less pressure."
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