MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes is confident his goalkeeper Shay Given has the mental toughness to cope with his World Cup agony.
Republic of Ireland number one Given knew instantly that Thierry Henry had handled in the build-up to William Gallas' dramatic extra-time goal that gave France the draw they needed to reach South Africa.
But despite Given's frantic protests, he failed to change referee Martin Hansson's mind, condemning the Irish to an agonising play-off exit.
Hughes knows how Given will feel.
As a player, the Manchester City boss was part of the Wales side that lost out on a place at the 1994 World Cup because of Paul Bodin's missed penalty.
Then, as manager, Hughes failed to mastermind a play-off win over Russia that would have secured qualification for Euro 2004, a loss that came with an added twist when Russia midfielder Yegor Titov failed a drugs test.
"It is not easy as a player or manager to miss out in the last match. Sometimes you feel aggrieved, sometimes you just weren't quite good enough," he said.
"I had it when we lost to Russia and then one of their players failed a drugs test.
"We took it a long way but the longer it went on, the more we realised we wouldn't get the verdict.
"At least Shay doesn't have that hanging over him. It is done now.
"The only way you put that bitter disappointment behind you by playing exceptionally well at club level, and Shay will do that because he's a top professional."
While some members of Giovanni Trapattoni's squad fear their last chance of reaching a World Cup may have gone, Hughes does not feel such worries apply to Given.
Although the keeper is now 33, Hughes can see no reduction in his abilities and is confident he will remain Ireland's number one for a good time yet.
"It is all a little bit raw for Shay at the moment," said Hughes.
"The decision has been made and he has lost the opportunity of this World Cup, which is a shame.
"But it is not over for him. He has to stay clear of injury but I can see him being the Irish goalkeeper for many years after this World Cup. He's a fit guy who works exceptionally hard.
"If he continues to keep up his current levels, there is no reason why he can't be around for the next two World Cups."
But despite Given's frantic protests, he failed to change referee Martin Hansson's mind, condemning the Irish to an agonising play-off exit.
Hughes knows how Given will feel.
As a player, the Manchester City boss was part of the Wales side that lost out on a place at the 1994 World Cup because of Paul Bodin's missed penalty.
Then, as manager, Hughes failed to mastermind a play-off win over Russia that would have secured qualification for Euro 2004, a loss that came with an added twist when Russia midfielder Yegor Titov failed a drugs test.
"It is not easy as a player or manager to miss out in the last match. Sometimes you feel aggrieved, sometimes you just weren't quite good enough," he said.
"I had it when we lost to Russia and then one of their players failed a drugs test.
"We took it a long way but the longer it went on, the more we realised we wouldn't get the verdict.
"At least Shay doesn't have that hanging over him. It is done now.
"The only way you put that bitter disappointment behind you by playing exceptionally well at club level, and Shay will do that because he's a top professional."
While some members of Giovanni Trapattoni's squad fear their last chance of reaching a World Cup may have gone, Hughes does not feel such worries apply to Given.
Although the keeper is now 33, Hughes can see no reduction in his abilities and is confident he will remain Ireland's number one for a good time yet.
"It is all a little bit raw for Shay at the moment," said Hughes.
"The decision has been made and he has lost the opportunity of this World Cup, which is a shame.
"But it is not over for him. He has to stay clear of injury but I can see him being the Irish goalkeeper for many years after this World Cup. He's a fit guy who works exceptionally hard.
"If he continues to keep up his current levels, there is no reason why he can't be around for the next two World Cups."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles

Postecoglou looking to A-League to 'develop young talent'
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Big change set to give Socceroos star new lease on life in the EPL
