named as Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has named Kenny Cunningham as captain for tomorrow's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier in Georgia.
Kerr made the announcement after training in Georgia this morning.
Birmingham defender Cunningham missed Kerr's first match in charge, the friendly win in Scotland last month, through injury, and Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland led the team instead.
But 31-year-old Cunningham, who has won 44 caps, is fit and available for these back-to-back qualifiers, and got the nod from Kerr, who is also hoping Robbie Keane will decide he wants to play in the Group 10 clash.
Tottenham striker Keane is mourning the loss of his father, who died on Monday following a battle against cancer, and was buried in Dublin yesterday.
If Keane decides to play, then the Football Association of Ireland have already put in a place the necessary travel arrangements to get him there in time for the match on Saturday afternoon.
If Keane does not make it out here in time to face Georgia, the likelihood is that he will instead join the team in Tirana on Monday, for Wednesday's match with Albania.
Since Saturday, Kerr's squad has been depleted by the loss of Jason McAteer, Gary Kelly, Clinton Morrison, Ian Harte, Steve Finnan and Steven Reid, so he can ill afford to lose Keane too.
If that proves to be the case, then Keane's White Hart Lane team-mate Gary Doherty is likely to play up front alongside Damian Duff after overcoming a back strain.