Shay Given has hit back at Roy Keane, who had previously called into question the shot-stopper's decision to take up the offer to play for his country every time the Republic of Ireland calls.

Keane, 38, had a famously tempestuous relationship with the FAI which came to a head during the 2002 World Cup Finals, when the Republic captain famously walked out on his side's training camp after a dispute with boss Mick McCarthy.

The former Manchester United skipper still picked up 66 caps over a 14 year international career, but might have made many more appearances had he always opted to take up the chance to play in international friendlies.

And back in March 2007, Keane, who is currently (perhaps only just) managing Ipswich Town, berated the likes of Given for eagerly agreeing to play in the relatively inconsequential friendly fixtures.

"Certain players come over no matter what," he said

"Maybe they want to get 50 or 100 caps and a pat on the back for it. I think Shay's one of those. He wants to get 200 caps."

But Manchester City keeper Given, 33, who is set to become a Irish centurion over the course of the Republic's final two World Cup qualifiers in the next week, maintains that he is proud of every time he appears for his country.

"In any sport, when you're called to play for your country, no matter what sport it is, it is the proudest moment you can have. As a professional footballer, a rugby player, whatever. Ryder Cup even, golf.

"These are proud moments, once you pull on an Irish jersey, and no-one should ever forget that, be it a friendly or two massive World Cup qualifiers."

The 'keeper, who currently has 98 caps, even went as far as ridiculing Keane for his sneering comments, insisting that there should be no such questions asked over any opportunity to represent your country.

"It's quite comical," he quipped.