Kevin Kilbane trained with Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad in Malahide today and declared himself available for the opening World Cup 2010 qualifier against Georgia on Saturday, despite suffering a fractured cheek bone in Wigan's 5-0 win over Hull City at the weekend.
The veteran utility player was today described as an "example" to all by his international manager and will be considered for selection ahead of the match in Mainz.
"I spoke with him yesterday and he said he wished to play. He trained today and I am sure he can play (on Saturday)," said the Italian today.
Richard Dunne was also absent from the pitch today because of a sore throat but is not a concern for the game.
The Manchester City captain was the only member of the 22-man squad not to take part.
The squad will fly to Germany on Thursday ahead of the match at the Bruchweg Stadium in Mainz.
The FAI confirmed today that there will be 4,850 tickets available to Irish fans at the ground from 9am on Thursday.
The allocation is almost twice that of Georgia's 2,500 tickets after the game had to be moved from Tbilisi to a neutral venue because of the host nation's ongoing hostilities with Russia.
"Some of our loyal fans were inconvenienced by Fifa's decision to move the match so late in the day and this is just a small gesture to thank them for their support," said FAI chief executive John Delaney today.
