Shay Given says he is hopeful of returning to full fitness in time for Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign.
The Stoke goalkeeper has not played since he injured his knee during the win over Germany last October and only returned to full training with his club last week.
Having been left out of the extended panel for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia, Given says he is now hoping to prove his fitness ahead of Ireland's opening group game against Sweden on June 13th.
"Hopefully [I can make it]. The squad was named last week and I didn't make it. But I'm in close contact with Seamus McDonagh, the [Ireland] goalkeeping coach and I've only just started full training last week as well. So these two friendlies will be a bit too soon for us," he said.
"I'm working hard to be fit for the summer and the way I feel now, my knee feels great and I'm back in full training against Stoke and please God I make the squad in the summer."
Given has previously represented Ireland at World Cup 2002 and Euro 2012, before making a U-turn on his international retirement after that tournament.
With three goalkeepers going to France this summer, Given will be in contention against West Ham's Darren Randolph, Millwall's David Forde and Newcastle's Rob Elliot.
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