HOT property Shay Given is anxious to clarify his position in the Ewood Park goalkeeping picture.

The 20-year-old wins his second cap for Mick McCarthy's patched up Republic of Ireland side in tomorrow's friendly against the Czech Republic in Prague.

Given has enjoyed a glorious three-month loan spell with newly-promoted Sunderland, during which time the Donegal-born youngster made 17 appearances for Peter Reid's team with an amazing 12 clean sheets in the process.

The youngster, 20 last Saturday, ended up on the losing side just once when Wolves triumphed 3-0 at Molineux.

And he said: "I have still got a year of my current contract with Blackburn to run but I will treasure the memory of those three months with Sunderland.

"Tim Flowers and Bobby Mimms are still the numbers one and two at Ewood Park but I would like to think I would be at least challenging for the number two position next season.

"It was great experience being in the first team at Sunderland. Now I would like my position clarified, but I am sure manager Ray Harford, pictured above right, will have a chat with me about the future."

Should Blackburn not require Given's services this weekend, he intends to travel back to Roker Park and watch Sunderland go for the First Division title against West Bromwich Albion.

"There will be a bit of a party after the game and I would love to join in the celebrations," he said. "Alex Chamberlain will be in goal as I cannot play because my three months loan period is now completed."

It is no secret that Sunderland boss Reid would like to hold on to Given, but Rovers have repeatedly stressed he is not for sale. He is rated in the £2 million bracket and that may be way outside Reid's current budget.

Celtic fans were dismayed when then boss Lou Macari allowed Given to leave Parkhead in the summer of 1994.

He had been with the club since moving there as a youngster when signed by Liam Brady.

"The one-year offer I received was not very good so I was happy to move on when Blackburn made their approach as I was a free agent," said Given.

"I was sorry to leave Celtic, a club with great Irish connections and one of the really big teams in the land."

Today Given, having recovered from a rib injury, was preparing for a second international under the watchful eye of veteran Celtic keeper Pat Bonner, now second choice for the Republic.

"Shay has a big international future ahead of him. He has the right attitude for the game and works very hard in training.

"I don't know why he was ever allowed to leave Celtic," said Bonner.

"I have total faith in young Given," added Republic boss McCarthy.

"He did very well for us in his debut against Russia last month and could not be blamed for either of the two goals in that 2-0 defeat."

The reserves drew 0-0 away against Wolves last night to claim a valuable point.

Rovers fielded a young side captained by Wayne Gill. Team: Mimms, Croft, Whealing, Gill, Coughlin, Marker, Hitchen, Holmes, Beattie, Thomas, Duff. Subs: Morgan, Hope, Cassin.

Any Rovers' season-ticket holders who have still not received renewal forms should contact the club (01254 671666).

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