Ciaran Clark believes Aston Villa will feel the benefit after Shay Given's decision to bow out from international football.
The 36-year-old made the difficult decision earlier this week, after putting in below par performances for the Republic of Ireland during their recent Euro 2012 campaign.
But Given's international retirement is Ireland's loss and Aston Villa's gain, according to one of the veteran keeper's team-mates for club and country.
"Maybe that was one of the reasons to call it a day," said Clark.
"Maybe he wanted to concentrate on his Villa career and hopefully it will work out well for Villa.
"He made a couple of great saves on Saturday that were just typical Shay. He does it every day in training. With a keeper like that in your team you are always confident."
The former Newcastle and Man City man will need to be focused on the task ahead for the upcoming season, with Villa looking to improve on a poor 16th place finish last season.