Manchester City FC goalkeeper Shay Given will sit out the next three months due to a shoulder injury, ruling the Republic of Ireland No1 out of his country's next UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier.

City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed the extent of the 34-year-old's problem, which is likely to require surgery. "He will need three months to recover well," explained the Italian. "It's the same injury that he had last year and I think he needs an operation. It's a disappointment for us and also for him, because we've lost a good goalkeeper."

Given will therefore miss Ireland's next qualifier at home against Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 26 March. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Shay's presence in the squad has always been extremely important and he will certainly be missed. That said, we have good options in Keiren Westwood and Joe Murphy."

Ireland lie second in qualifying Group B on seven points, two behind leaders Russia.