eircom: eircom welcomes you to a live web chat with Brian Kerr and Shay Given. Brian and Shay will be joining us shortly.

Ciaran Mac: What is your most memorable football experience?
Brian Kerr: When we won the under-16s EUFA final in Scotland in 1998

Siobhan Mooney: Have you every played football and what team were you on?
Brian Kerr: I played lots of football at various levels, I started when I was 8 playing competitvely in the DDSL league. I played for St. John Bosco, Rialto, Shelbourne, Drumcondra, the College of Technology, and Larkview, and Bluebell United. All famous clubs in their own right.

Mike Delaney: Who do you think is the world’s best player and best team?
Brian Kerr: At the moment, the best player is Ronaldino, for Barcelona. The best team would be whoever wins the World Cup in 2006.

O. Claffey: What team did you support as a kid?
Brian Kerr: My first team was St. Patrick's athletic, and the Dublin Gaelic football team. I also supported local junior teams where I leaved. I had a team in every division in England and Scotland.

Frank: Any chance I could watch you and the team practise before the match on Wednesday?
Brian Kerr: You can do it tomorrow at Malahide United's training ground -- about 10:30.

Finn: What kinda car do you drive?
Brian Kerr: An Alpha Romeo provided by Fiat -- one of the Association's sponsors.

Mark Byrne: Hi Brian. What effect have the movements (or lack of) in the transfer window had on your preparations for the future? (Particularly for players like Robbie, Connolly, Morrison & Harte)
Brian Kerr: I think the transfer movement for us has been a good time, because it looks like Clinton Morrison is going to get more regular football. David Connelly going to the premier division is good for him. Unfortunately Ian Harte didn't get a move, but possibly when the transfer window reopens in January he'll get a move back to a higher level of football.

William Edwards: Do you think playing an attacking 4-4-2 against France would bring us more results than trying to contain their attacking approach and the midfield working as a whole is the key to beating the French?
Brian Kerr: The key to overcoming France will be a great team performance, disciplined attacking and defending at all times in the game, and taking our chances when we get them -- irrespective of the formations of either team.

Myles: You think France will be an even tougher opponent with Zidane out of retirement for this World Cup?
Brian Kerr: Yes, I think France are a better team with Zidane in the team, and also the other players who have returned. He has been one of the greatest players for many years now. He's still capable of winning a match for his club or country.

John Conroy: Brian - A lot of Irish players didn't play first team football the last few weeks (like Robbie Keane). Do you think they are sharp enough and have the ability to resist the French?
Brian Kerr: The majority of our players have played regularly since the season began. We will be ensuring that players like Robbie Keane and the others who have not had so much first-team football lately ..will get plenty of action and will be at their sharpest by Wednesday.

W: Any hints on the plan of action for the game on Wednesday or is it top secret?
Brian Kerr: Yes, it's top secret.

Fiona: Whats your earliest memory as a child?
Brian Kerr: Being brought to the national boxing stadium by my father when I was about five years old.

eircom: Brian I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer all those questions. We would like to wish you and team the best of luck on Wednesday night. Bye for now.
eircom: Please welcome Shay Given to the webchat.
eircom: Shay - People have been sending in lots of questions. Are you ready to kick off?

Martyn Gillan: Shay i think u r one of the top five goals keepers in Europe can u see yourself leaving Newcastle for a bigger club?
Shay Given: Thanks for saying I'm one of the top five keepers in Europe! I would like to think I can win a trophy with Newcastle, and if not, who knows what the future might bring?

Colm Sweeney: Any advice for a somewhat quiet Goalkeeper?I keep being told i am too quiet when in goal. I don’t know what they mean?Your help would be appreciated. Best of luck against France ?
Shay Given: I think as a goalkeeper you need to be very vocal to help your defenses as much as you can -- as you can see the whole picture in front of you. I think it's good for the team to know that someone from behind the team is giving as much information as possible.

Sean: Do you ever get distracted by the crowd? how do you keep you're concentration?
Shay Given: I don't get distracted, no. Sometimes as a player you respond to having a fantastic atmosphere. I'm sure all the players on Wednesday night, with the fantastic atmosphere at Lansdowne will be up for the game.

Claire: Hi Shay? How did you get into goalkeeping?
Shay Given: When I was younger I used to play out the field as well, but my father was a goalkeeper and he suggested perhaps I should stay in goals. I don't know if perhaps he was trying to tell me something.

Tom Carroll: Where do you get your inspiration in the really important matches. Is it something personal or pure Irish pride?
Shay Given: I think as a professional footballer you go out there and be inspired every game, especially when you are playing for your country, as it's a very proud moment.

Stephen Cushen: As a player, what chants/songs that are sung from the terraces get the players adrenaline pumping, or when playing do you tend to block out the noise from the supports as to keep your concentration?
Shay Given: I think as I said before, as a player, the better the atmosphere is -- the top players respond to that. It gives you a little bit extra in the big games.

Shay's no1 fan EVER: Do u ever feel silly when your in goal and ireland score and you have to celebrate on your own?
Shay Given: Yea, I find myself hugging myself all the time. I'm as happy as the rest of them that the team have scored -- which is the most important thing.

Aidan: Shay, do you believe this will be your biggest Irish game to date at lansdowne rd? I wish you all the best on Wed?
Shay Given: I've had a few big games at Lansdowne, but this is definitely up there with the biggest. I'm really looking forward to the game, as are all the players. I'm excited to get stuck into them.

Debbie: Who do you get on with best on the team?
Shay Given: I get on with most of them. I'm pretty easygoing, so I like to think I get on with most of them. They might tell you different.

Sam: Shay - who is the best defender you have ever played with?
Shay Given: Johnathan Woodgate of Newcastle, when he was fit. For Ireland, it would probably be Paul McGrath.

Bernadette: Shay what do you think to the signing of Owen ?
Shay Given: A great signing for the club. I'm very excited to work with a player of his calibre -- I hope he brings lots of goals to the football club.

Joseph Duff: Hi shay best of luck wed night. What is ur best moment in an Irish jersey?
Shay Given: First, was making my debut. It was a very proud moment. Then, getting to play in the World Cup finals was special. I hope to get back there next summer!

Kieran Hayes: Shay, did you play with fannad utd in a Fai junior semi final or final early in your career ?
Shay Given: No, I played with Lifford Celtic in the FAI junior cup semi-final.

Jme: does packie coach you when with ireland? and does he go on and on about italia 90?
Shay Given: Yes, he does coach the goalkeepers of Ireland. No, he doesn't speak about Italia 90. I'm sure it's in everyone's memory.

Hadge: hi shay my soccer team are in a real important match nxt saturday i am the goalkeeper got any tips?
Shay Given: Don't let the ball go in the net!

DixieChick: Are you superstitious?
Shay Given: Perhaps!

Jenny Stapleton: Shay apart from training , how do you and the rest of the team prepair for a game like this :)?
Shay Given: I was at a gaelic match today -- Tyrone vs. Armagh, which I enjoyed. Some of the lads play golf as well, at the right time. Watch some DVDs.

Bernadette: Who is the joker of the team?
Shay Given: Dunno. I think there's a few. The good thing about the Irish team and the squad is that we all get on really well together. We do have a laugh when it's the right time.

Kevin O'Carroll: Have you been impressed with any of the young Irish players coming through at youth levels?
Shay Given: There is a few exciting players coming through, which is very important for the Irish football team. I think the FAI are working at the grass-roots level to bring a few players through, there are exciting players like Andy Reed and Aiden McGeady from Celtic. I'm sure there's a few more as well that I haven't mentioned.

Zooleire: shay - which game that u have played in has had the best atmosphere?
Shay Given: Probably when we played Holland a couple of years ago. For all my games in Lansdowne, it was the best atmosphere, and a fantastic result.

John O'Neill: what do you make of the result of Swizerland Isreal match yesterday?
Shay Given: I think it was good for us, but it's important that we look after ourselves and try to get three points on Wednesday night.

Foxylox!: Shay I play girls soccer but i'm not that good! Have you any tips for me please?!
Shay Given: Train hard, I suppose! Watch football as well -- men's or women's -- and try to learn from professionals like ourselves.

Niall Goodwin: how is the team looking injury-wise ahead of wednesday?
Shay Given: I think it's ok. I'm sure anyone who has a slight knock or anything will be fine on Wednesday night because it's such a massive game for everyone.

DixieChick: Do your kids watch every match you play?
Shay Given: I've only got one! He's not ten months yet, so when he gets older I hope he understands what his father does.

Michael Collins: What’s the most important save you have ever made for Ireland?
Shay Given: Probably at home to Iran in the playoff games for the World Cup. I had to make an important save in the second half -- as it was a vital, we kept a clean sheet in the home leg.

Shay eile: Who is the best striker you have ever played against? Why? thx Shay
Shay Given: Probably Henry's one of the best, I think.

Kieran: Shay, do you think Zidane will have a major impact on the game on wednesday?
Shay Given: He's a world-class player. We will respect him, but not be over-awed by him. He's one of many players we need to look out for. We have a few of our own as well!

Barry Lysaght: Do you practise penalties, or do you view it more as something best judged on the moment?
Shay Given: I do practice penalties. You try and watch videos of penalty-takers as well, to help you. The advantage is definitely with the taker, and not the goalkeepr.

John Mc Cool: Would you view another draw on Wed. as a disappointing result ? Good Luck.....we'll be cheering you all from Florida
Shay Given: A draw would not be a disaster, but we would obviously like to win the game -- especially with the fantastic support we will have.

Bernadette: What do you like to do away from football ?
Shay Given: I like to play golf, it's quite relaxing and challenging sometimes.

Conor O' Brien: would you ever take a penalty yourself? like the portugese keeper in euro04?
Shay Given: I would love to. I haven't scored a goal in my career yet -- though I scored yesterday in training, as I was playing outfield.

Kev: ever given rugby a go?id say you have some kick for touch!!
Shay Given: I've never given rugby a go. I'd prefer probably gaelic football if I was to take another sport.

Sam: Shay - what would you have done if you didn't become a pro footballer? Or did you ever think you wouldn't make it?
Shay Given: Don't know. Perhaps a barber, or perhaps working on the family's pitch-and-putt and driving range at home in Lifford. Green Acres.

Cian: What type of music are you into?
Shay Given: All sorts. I like Irish folk music, I like U2, I like the new album from James Blunt, some R&B, and that pretty much covers it.

Kev: ever talk to that israeli goalkeeper after his carry on in lansdowne?how frustrating was that for you as a keeper?
Shay Given: It was pretty bad, like. I suppose it's part & parcel of the modern game. I wasn't very happy with it, as was many Irish people on the day. Perhaps the ref could have been stronger.

Aidan: Shay, who will win the all ireland you think after todays game?
Shay Given: I hope Tyrone! My mother was from Tyrone, so half of me was supporting them today. I hope it's going to be them.

Kieran: Shay, how important will the crowd be on Wednesday night and would you urge all supporters to raise the noise levels as much as possible?
Shay Given: I think they're going to be hugely important, and they shouldn't underestimate how much it means for the team for them to be vocal from the first minute to the last -- they really can be our twelfth man.

William Edwards: Shay, Would you like to play an Irish match in Croke Park?
Shay Given: Would love to! Just been there this afternoon and it's a fantastic stadium. It's a shame we're not playing France on Wednesday night there. Hopefully we will one day.

Marc Ó Fathaigh: Shay, How did it feel to represent Ireland in front of the whole world in Korea/Japan in 2002? and are the lads on the team as hyped up as I'm sure they were against Holland in 2001?
Shay Given: I think it's probably one of the proudest moments of my career, to play for Ireland in the World Cup. We had fantastic support in Korea & Japan as well. It was so far away and the fans were unbelieveable.

Evan: Who is your favourite sports star outside football?
Shay Given: I like Tiger Woods as I have a soft spot for golf. I think he's world class at what he does.

Jenny Stapleton: Hey Shay!!The very best of luck to yourself and the team . How do you feel we will do on Wednesday?
Shay Given: I hope we win! The game will be tough, but we're all raring to go!

Rory Skerritt: Do you think you can get to Germany as i am 13 and have a place booked to go to the world cup .so my question is how do you think you measure up to the other teams like France, England?
Shay Given: I think we can get to Germany. It's in our own hands, but the next few games are massive for the country. If we keep everyone fit, I think we can measure up to any team in the world.

William Edwards: Shay, Do you have a pre-match ritual?
Shay Given: Sort of. I like to do the same warmup before every game, I suppose it's the same routines.

Sophie Birrell: Hi Shay. I'm a huge Celtic fan, i heard you supported Celtic as a kid, is that true? and if so, do u still follow us now? I know loads of fans would love to see you with the Hoops one
Shay Given: Yes, I did support Celtic and still do. I hope they can win the league this season.

Debbie: Do u get nervous b4 matches?
Shay Given: I used to a lot more when I was younger. Now I would say, with experience it's more excitement and a buzz you get than nerves.

Bernadette: what do you think of paddy kenny?
Shay Given: Paddy has done very well over the last couple of seasons, and is improving all the time. I think there's a few bigger clubs looking at him, so that shows how well he has one.

Cian: What's the best stadium you ever played?
Shay Given: The San Siro in Milan. We played Inter in the Champion's League there, which was a fantastic place to play football.

Aidan: Shay, what do you see yourself doing after you leave professional football?
Shay Given: I don't know yet. I haven't thought too much about it. Possibly goalkeeping coaching as I've learned a lot through my career and would like to pass on some of my knowledge to younger guys coming up.

Eamon: would you ever like to play in seire a or la liga?
Shay Given: Yes, perhaps one day. I've had some Spanish lessons before, so maybe La Liga would be mui bien!

Rachel: why are newcastle called the toons??
Shay Given: Because of their accent. They say their going into the toon, they mean going into town -- hence the Toon Army!

William Edwards: Shay, Could you kick a ball the length of the pitch and ever try score direct from a goal kick?
Shay Given: No, I couldn't reach that far. I've never tried to score from a goal kick.

William Edwards: Shay, Who was your child hood hero?
Shay Given: Probably Peter Schmichael. One of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen, and I was honoured to play against him later in his career.

Kev: with only a few games left+4teams with a chance to qualify, is goal difference in the back of the team's mind?
Shay Given: Not at the minute. We are going to try to win the last few games, then I don't think goal difference will come into it. The points is the most important thing at the minute.

eircom: Have you a message for the fans?
Shay Given: I'd just like to thank everyone for taking the time to ask me some questions, I'd like to think that everyone will be behind the team on Wednesday night, as we need an electric atmosphere. The players will do their utmost to get the victory!

eircom: I am afraid that’s all we have time for. Brian and Shay – thank you for taking the time to join us tonight. We wish you and the rest of the team the best of luck on Wednesday night.
eircom: I would also like to thank everyone who joined us tonight. Join eircom in supporting the Irish Soccer team by sending an e-wish on www.eircom.net/totalfootball. All ewishes will be delivered to the team.