IRISH stopper Shay Given turned in a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday then set his eyes on keeping his number one goal for the year - to help the Republic land a World Cup spot.

The Magpies' first choice keeper, who was inspired at Goodison Park, revealed his desire to fulfill his World Cup dreams with Ireland whoever they end up playing in next month's play-off.

Unlike some of his fellow professionals - and some international cricketers for that matter - the prospect of a trip to what could be considered as a hotspot in Iran or the United Arab Emirates holds no fears for the man from Lifford.

"I think the safety will be all checked out and for what's at stake - a place in the World Cup - I'd nearly walk to Tehran to be honest," he said.

"It's a massive game and we know how important it is and I'm sure all the lads will be thinking along the same lines.

"It is a big season for myself because hopefully we can get to the World Cup.

"We've got play-off games coming up next month and it would be the highlight for any player's career to play in the finals.

"I was in the Irish team before, I got dropped (at Newcastle) and I got dropped from the Irish team as well.

"So it's most important for me to be playing every week and then hopefully Mick (McCarthy) will stick by me."

On his present form he is undoubtedly Ireland's - as well as Newcastle's - number one, but the season didn't begin so well for Given with well publicised errors at Chelsea and in the Intertoto Cup against French outfit Troyes.

"The start as everyone reminds me at Chelsea wasn't very good - it was a horrendous mistake," he said.

"Goalkeepers are judged on mistakes, and over the course of a season every goalkeeper has a good few mistakes.

"It's just minimising the mistakes you make. But the gaffer has been good to me and stuck by me, and I owe a lot to him for that. But goalkeepers all make mistakes."

Saturday's game clearly showed that with Paul Gerrard getting his wires crossed with Abel Xavier to gift United their opener.

"We had a bit of luck with that first goal, a mix-up between two of their lads and I felt a bit sorry for Paul Gerrard," said Given "He had made his mind up to come for the ball and it bounced awkwardly before the collision with Xavier which left Craig with an easy tap in.

"It was just one of those things."