Shay is excited at the arrival of Terry Gennoe – revealing he relishes training each day with the “bubbly” goalkeeping coach. Shay spent three years at Blackburn and six years at Newcastle with Gennoe and rates the 58-year-old very highly because of his engaging sessions. He also (more…)

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I thought the best comment on Ireland’s miracle shut-out against Russia was the ‘Russia 0:0 Aston Villa’ with Richard Dunne and Shay performing heroics to keep the Russians at bay. To be fair to the entire Irish team though, there were blocks going in everywhere around the pitch with Russia dominating possession on their home turf or should I say home ‘plastic’ as it was played on an entirely plastic grass surface which make it hard for Ireland as the ball moves even faster than a ‘normal’ pitch.

Shay had three major saves to make and was particularly glad that the 90th minute block with his knee was enough to keep the vital point which ensures Ireland’s hopes of qualifying are kept alive.

Richard Dunne on Shay’s performance said “Shay’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world and you always know you can rely on him. When he was called upon, he came up with some great saves and as a team we should be really pleased with the way we played.”

Shay commented on his own performance “I just about got my knee down to block it. He was pretty close, but in situations like that it’s all about standing your ground and luckily enough I did that, as it was very close to going through my legs.

But it’s not all just about me. The whole back four were excellent and we defended very well.”

Paul McGrath (former Villa and Ireland hero) said of Richard Dunne’s performance “That was the best performance I have ever seen from any Irish centre-half – and that includes myself.”

So well done to Richard, Shay and the entire Irish team. You certainly did us proud.

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