Given: Missed training

The 36-year-old goalkeeper walked around the pitch at the Stadio Comunale in Borgo A Buggiano as his team-mates went through their paces.

However, the early indications were that his absence was as a result of blisters rather than anything more sinister.

Given only returned to training on Thursday after resting the knee problem which last week prompted a visit to a London specialist.

He later revealed his relief, admitting the prospect of missing the Euro 2012 finals had crossed his mind.

The Republic face Hungary in Budapest on Monday in their final friendly before the tournament begins, and manager Giovanni Trapattoni indicated earlier this week that he would expect both Given and defender John O'Shea, who has been working his way back from an ankle problem, to play and prove their fitness.