Bolton midfielder Gareth Farrelly has received a late call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the vital World Cup first leg play-off game against Iran at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Manager Mick McCarthy added Farrelly to his panel after the withdrawal of Wolves man Mark Kennedy with a hamstring injury.
Farrelly will link up with the rest of the Irish squad in Dublin on Tuesday after returning early from his club's training camp in Spain.
The Bolton man won the last of his six caps in the 1-1 draw with the USA in Boston in June last year.
McCarthy confirmed that skipper Roy Keane would join up with the panel on Thursday morning.
"I spoke to Roy by telephone today and he told me that he is fine after his recent knee injury.
"Roy has been training at Manchester United and receiving treatment at the same time. But he'll definitely be travelling to Dublin."
Sunderland's Kevin Kilbane took part in most of yesterday's training session.
"My ankle problem has kept me out of the game for three weeks but I felt fine and there was no reaction afterwards. I will be fit to play if selected," said Kilbane.
The Sunderland man last played for his club in the 3-1 home defeat by Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on October 10th.
Ipswich's Matt Holland, Fulham's Steven Finnan and Millwall's Steven Reid opted out of yesterday's training session.
"They have only minor knocks and didn't take part as a precaution. But I expect them all to be ready for action on Saturday," said McCarthy.
PA