Shay Given: 'It's time for Republic of Ireland to replace Giovanni Trapattoni'

Goalkeeper Shay Given believes that the time has come for Giovanni Trapattoni to step down as manager of the Republic of Ireland.

The nation are expected to miss out on a place in the World Cup finals in Brazil next year due to their poor campaign in the qualifying stage.

"Trapattoni's had a good reign," Given told talkSPORT. "I just think people are looking for a change, they want someone new in with fresh ideas."

Trapattoni, whose contract expires next summer, will need to lead his team to a result against Austria this evening to keep any hopes of reaching the tournament next year alive.