Irish soccer star Shay Given has sustained an injury to his shoulder and may need surgery to repair the damage, which could place him on the sidelines him until the summer, sources say.

In light of Given's injury emerging soccer ace Keiren Westwood is reportedly on course to make his debut wearing the Republic of Ireland jersey against Macedonia next month.

Roberto Mancini confirmed to the press this week that Given has sustained a serious injury and is waiting to have it assessed.

"He has a problem with his shoulder," Mancini said, "and will see a specialist in London this week to see if he needs surgery."

Given may have dislocated his left shoulder, an injury he previously suffered against Arsenal in April of last year which put him out of action for almost three months.