Following his rant last week against the Football Association of Ireland, manager Steve Staunton and an underachieving team, former Republic captain Keane this week opted to take pot-shots at another target in Given.

The Newcastle goalkeeper will skipper the side for tomorrow's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia at Croke Park as Robbie Keane serves a one-match ban.

Significantly for Given, it will be his 80th cap, equalling the record for a Republic goalkeeper of Packie Bonner.

That failed to impress Sunderland manager Keane, who claims Given "has an agenda" and that he is merely looking to receive "a pat on the back" for a milestone number of appearances.

"Maybe they [players] want to get 50 or 100 caps and a pat on the back for it," remarked Keane.

"I think Shay's one of those ones - he wants to get 200 caps."

Taking Keane's comments in his stride, Given said today: "I've not seen them, although I've got wind of them.

"You don't want to comment on every single person who has made a negative remark, or a positive one.

"Personally, I'm just focused on tomorrow's game."

And then, perhaps intimating at the number of occasions Keane used to withdraw from friendlies citing 'injury', Given added: "Just a few years back, you got a bit of stick if you didn't play for your country.

"Now you're getting stick if you play. It's a no-win situation.

"But I'll be as proud tomorrow in making my 80th cap as I was when I won my first against Russia in 1996 [exactly 11 years ago today].

"It's personal pride. I want to make as many caps as I can for myself. If that's wrong then so be it."

Staunton is of the belief Given can eclipse the record 102 caps he won during his own Republic career.

"Shay will be winning his 80th cap and be captaining the side," said Staunton.

"It's very fitting for the career he has had so far, and hopefully it won't be too long before he breaks my record."

Although only 31 next month, Given is wary of making that a stated aim, particularly as he has been hit by injury this season.

"It's an honour to equal Packie's record," added Given.

"I'm very proud to play for my country, so I'm delighted to make 80 caps, and hopefully I'll make a few after as well.

"But I don't like to set too many targets and look too far ahead, especially after this season as I've had a lot of injuries.

"You don't know what's around the corner in football. You are one challenge or one knock away from maybe never playing again.

"You just look to the next game, and that next game is tomorrow.

"I'm not looking too far past that to be honest. I'd love to make as many caps as I could, and wherever that takes me then great."