Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has said he is confident that goalkeeper Kieren Westwood can be a reliable stopper for the nation after Shay Given's international retirement.

Westwood impressed in a goalless draw with Serbia last night and Trapattoni said that he would put his trust in the 27-year-old Sunderland goalkeeper.

"This was a particular moment for [Westwood] after the news about Shay," Sky Sports News quotes Trapattoni as saying.

"I was sure he could be a substitute for Shay and he showed us in this game we can trust him."

Westwood has played 11 times for Ireland.

Written by
Matt Domm