Shay Given will captain Republic of Ireland in Wednesday night's final World Cup qualifier against Montenegro as he wins his 100th senior international cap.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has handed the 33-year-old the captain's armband as he and full-back Kevin Kilbane each complete a century to leave themselves only two adrift of Steve Staunton, Ireland's most-capped player.

The Manchester City keeper takes over from Robbie Keane, who may play only one half at Croke Park as Trapattoni attempts to keep his players fresh for next month's play-off.

Given goes into the game knowing he must avoid a second caution of the qualifying campaign if he is to make himself available for the first match of the play-off.

Midfielders Keith Andrews and Aiden McGeady are likely to be rested for just that reason, while striker Leon Best is also on a yellow card.

Given says he believes the Republic have already upset the odds to reach the play-offs as they prepare to do it once again.

He said: "The biggest thing in getting a winning mentality is getting results. It's a results business and if you speak to any manager in the Premier League, it's all about results for them.

"We came into this in third place in the seedings and it was going to be a tough ask to get into the play-off position.

"We would love to have topped the group, don't get me wrong, but we haven't done that.

"We have got into second place and I would honestly say most players and fans alike would have probably taken that with the world champions being in the group as well.

"That comes from the manager. We finished the last campaign in fourth place, so to finish in second, we are improving and he has got to take the credit.

"He has given us the belief and the confidence to go out to play Italy and teams like that and the results."

Given is a veteran of two play-off showdowns, one in which the Republic lost to Belgium and the other eight years ago when they beat Iran to make it to the 2002 finals.

He admits that whatever next Monday's draw hands he and his team-mates, the trip to Tehran has prepared him for anything which could be thrown at them.

The Manchester City keeper said: "It will be a stroll in the park after that, to be honest. That was pretty hostile out in Iran.

"But there are a lot of experienced players in the team who have been there before as well, and that will help the younger players to come through the two legs, hopefully.

"I don't think anyone will relish playing us. We have got a settled team and we are unbeaten in the group so far.

"We have shown we can go to Italy and go to Bulgaria and get results. Whoever is drawn against Ireland, we will cause them some problems.

"We know it's going to be tough with the seeding situation, but we have got some very good players as well and a good squad and a good mentality now going into next month."

The row over FIFA's decision to seed the play-offs dominated much of the run-up to Saturday's 2-2 draw with Italy at Croke Park, which saw Trapattoni's men concede a last-gasp equaliser which denied them a famous victory.

In general, the response to their performance has been largely positive, although television pundit Eamon Dunphy sparked fury within the camp by describing it as "shameful".

Asked for his response, Given replied: "The only thing I would say was we were disappointed, going ahead with a couple of minutes to go.

"To concede such a late equaliser was a real kick in the teeth for everyone.

"We felt we probably had the game won. We just needed to be more professional and see the game out.

"They hit us on a break-away when we were 2-1 up. We should have been more organised and seen the game out.

"But no, 'shameful' is not the word I would use. Those guys are the world champions, some of the best players in the world play for those guys.

"You play against players like [Andrea] Pirlo and you hear he is a good player, but when you actually see him play, you know he is one of the best players in the world, so that definitely wouldn't be the word I would use, no."

Given will be a proud man as he leads the team out on a big night for him and his family.

He said: "Making 100 caps, myself and Kevin Kilbane on the same night, we will both be very proud wearing the Irish jersey once more. To wear it 100 times is very, very special."