Doyle fit but McShane remains a doubt

Republic of Ireland v Georgia team news: Giovanni Trapattoni welcomed Paul McShane and Kevin Doyle back to training today after the pair sat out yesterday's session having picked up knocks at the weekend.

Newly crowned FAI/eircom senior player of the year Doyle was knocked out cold when playing for Reading against Preston North End on Saturday but after a days rest he took a full part this afternoon and is in line to face Georgia in Wednesday’s World Cup 2010 Group 8 qualifier.

McShane’s hamstring injury is more of a concern and a decision on the Sunderland defender’s participation will be made tomorrow, though his inclusion in what looked like the second string side at training in Malahide would suggest Georgia might come to soon. Stephen Kelly looks likely to deputise in his absence.

Preston’s Eddie Nolan, who arrived as cover for McShane has returned to England with an Achilles tendon injury, but Trapattoni’s assistant Marco Tardelli insisted this afternoon that no more cover would be brought into the squad.

“Kevin Doyle is fine, Paul is also but we decide for him maybe tomorrow, tomorrow morning or afternoon. But during the training there was no problem,” said the Italian.

Asked if he was worried about the defensive cover, Tardelli added: “No, no we have many players to substitute so there’s is no problem.”

Robbie Keane was also back in the fold as full training began in earnest this afternoon after yesterday’s cold snap hampered preparations and last night’s award ceremony distracted from the job at hand.

The Spurs striker made his first appearance back at the club when he captained Harry Redknapp’s side in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal yesterday and Tardelli believes he is now focused on leading his country against Georgia.

“I think he is okay. I spoke with him and he told me everything is okay. No problem. He is happy to back at Tottenham. Yesterday he played very well.”

A 3-0 win on Wednesday would send Ireland top of the group ahead of world champions Italy on goal difference. But while Tardelli acknowledged the importance of the meeting he reiterated the threat posed from the Georgia has grown since the 2-1 win over Hector Cuper’s side in the neutral venue of Mainz’s Bruchweg Stadium in September.

“It’s very important. There are many difficulties because Hector Cuper is a good trainer and he has changed the Georgians.”