Soccer:Manchester United's Darron Gibson has been ruled out the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday due to a groin strain.

Gibson did not feature in Ireland’s friendly last Friday when they came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Nigeria at Craven Cottage in London.

The midfielder picked up the initial injury during the last game of the Premier League season when the champion defeated Hull City.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni wants to send his players on holiday with a spring in their step by topping their qualifying group over the summer.

Ireland can leapfrog world champions Italy with victory over Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday and, despite the trip coming at the end of a long domestic season, the Italian feels his side is capable of maintaining their unbeaten run in Group Eight.

“Why not? After the game with Nigeria we showed we can play well and with confidence,” said Trapattoni.

“The players have played well in qualifying and they will get stronger. I have confidence in them.”

Tottenham striker Robbie Keane sat out training today with a foot problem, but Trapattoni is certain he will be fit for the weekend.

“It was just as a precaution, he has some inflammation under his foot, it’s nothing serious and he will be fine for Saturday,” he said.

Of more concern will be an injury to Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan, who left the training ground with his ankle heavily strapped, while Manchester United rookie Darron Gibson is ruled out with groin trouble.

Trapattoni also rested goalkeeper Shay Given today while running the rule over potential understudies Colin Doyle and Wayne Henderson.

With Dean Kiely heading home after being told he would not feature in last week’s match against Nigeria, and Kieren Westwood getting married, Trapattoni has been desperately searching for cover.

The crisis deepened with the news Sheffield United’s Paddy Kenny could not change his holiday plans so Birmingham’s Doyle and Henderson of Preston will vie to be on the bench in Sofia.