Shay: “It’s nearly 25 years since we were involved in the European Championships and if we could qualify in Dublin that would be very, very special. I was in Estonia 10 years ago. We won both group games 2-0. But in their history, this is their strongest team by a mile. They beat Serbia and Slovenia. Our players and fans need to have a reality check. We must not get (more…)

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It will give Aston Villa some confidence that their unbeaten run continued against Wigan on Saturday. Coming up with three points instead of just the one though will give them a boast before the trial of Man City on the 15th of October. Man City are no a flyer in the Premiership but like any season, someone will take points off them. Let’s hope Aston Villa can take something from the game. I’m sure Shay won’t want to come away empty handed.

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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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Shay earned the ‘Lazarus’ nickname from Steve Harper at Newcastle, as it seemed no matter how badly injured Shay was, he would always somehow creep off the treatment table for the next game, much to Steve’s frustration. It seems that Lazarus lives on at Aston Villa, with Shay almost certain to start against Blackburn Rovers for his home debut in an Aston Villa shirt.

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“I was genuinely excited, I left home at 16 and even before I left home I’d been playing football all my life. I was pretty regular at most clubs I’d been at, so it was a bit strange and frustrating last year. But it’s great to be at Villa and feel part of the group.”

When asked if he considers himself the best keeper in the league bar Joe Hart, he quipped: “Who said that, Mancini?”

The fact is, he may still be.

Source: THE GUARDIAN

What are your thoughts on the matter?

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Check out Shay’s thoughts on Aston Villa’s podcast concerning the coming season and how he feels the back four have the experience to have a great season… Podcast here: Shay comes on the podcast after approx. 10 minutes.

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Brad Freidel speaking about the coming season was keen to say thanks to Villa for the 3 years he spent there and was quick to point out the caliber of goalkeeper that Villa have signed saying: “Villa have signed someone in Shay (more…)

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Joe Hart speaking after signing a new contract with Man City reveals how he will miss Shay as a friend and goalkeeper: “Shay’s influence on me has been … (more…)

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Joe Hart speaking on signing his new contract at Manchester City: “Shay’s influence on me has been massive and being able to work alongside him has brought my game on tremendously. I’ve lost a close friend and a fantastic team-mate but I’ll keep in touch and talk with him on a regular basis.”

Source: The Guardian

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