Aston Villa keeper Shay Given has revealed that he does not hold a grudge towards Arsenal forward Thierry Henry for his handball that lead to the Republic of Ireland failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
During the World Cup play-off between the two sides, Henry controlled the ball with his hand before setting-up William Gallas to score the decisive goal that denied the Irish any part in the tournament. The Gunners forward later confessed that it had been deliberate although Fifa refused to sanction the forward for his actions.
The two sides meet on Sunday at the Emirates in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and ahead of the tie the Villans' stopper has refused to label Henry a cheat insisting that he does not blame the striker for what he did.
He told The Sun: "I think some really harsh stuff has been written about him but I don't follow that line of thought [that he is a cheat].
"He handballed it and players do that sometimes. His was quite a blatant one and he probably thought himself that the referees would pick it up. But I don't blame him.
"In a sense it wasn't even Thierry Henry's fault, it was the officials who never saw it.
"I know he handballed it but it was so blatant we felt the officials should have picked it up, yet they didn't.
"Of course it was disappointing, especially all through the summer when the World Cup was on.
"It was disappointing to think we could, should have been there probably.
"But it's water under the bridge now. It was hard at the time for the players and the Ireland fans. But you move on in football and you move on in life.
"I certainly do not hold grudges. I just want to keep Thierry Henry quiet on Sunday for Aston Villa's sake - not for what he did two years ago."
Given has tasted FA Cup victory before with his former club Manchester City, although he was second choice to England No.1 Joe Hart. The 35-year-old is hoping for a triumph with Villa this season, suggesting they are worth a bet on Sunday.
He added: "I suppose I have done it back to front - celebrating with the cup before I'd actually played in a cup-winning team at Wembley.
"Now I'd love to win it with Aston Villa - that would undoubtedly be the pinnacle of my club career.
"Even growing up as a kid I was diving around the garden pretending it was Wembley. It would be a shame if it went the same way as the League Cup, where some teams play lesser squads and save themselves for the Premier League.
"I understand we're 5-1 at the Emirates and I think we're worth a fiver!
"Arsenal's home advantage makes them favourites but they've been struggling in recent weeks.
"Although we may not have the biggest squad in the league, when everyone's fit we have a real top team. We had a great win at Wolves last week and our tails are up. We're going there with no fear and a lot of belief.
"If we can get through against Arsenal anything is possible."
Originally Posted by Charlie the Gooner
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