After playing the full 120 minutes of the Republic of Ireland's dramatic extra time defeat to France on Wednesday, Given faced the agony of missing out on a place on the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

And now the shot-stopper must get his head together in time for City's Barclays Premier League match with Liverpool on Saturday.

Manager Hughes knows just how Given will feel, having felt similar international pain himself.

As a player, the Manchester City coach 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.

bitter disappointment

"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.

"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."

little bit raw

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."