Republic of Ireland's Shay Given: 'Important to end 2014 with win'

Shay Given has highlighted the important of the Republic of Ireland bouncing back from their defeat to Scotland by beating the USA 4-1 in Tuesday's friendly.

Martin O'Neill's side lost a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier at Celtic Park on Friday, but ensured that they would end 2014 on a high with a win over the Americans.

Veteran goalkeeper Given feels that this result was vital to give Ireland momentum and confidence ahead of another huge Group D match against Poland in March.

"We were disappointed, obviously, after Friday night, there's no getting away from that," he told reporters. "But the manager said before the game it was important that we finished the calendar year on a high.

"It's a long wait for the next game, of course, but it's a bit better feeling in the head for the fans and for the players that we have actually got a good win and a good performance and scored some good goals as well.

"But obviously the big games again are in March-time and it's a long wait for that, of course. But it's good to finish the year on a bit of a high."

Given, 38, was handed his 127th international cap in the victory in Dublin.