SOCCER:Although the Republic of Ireland management remain confident Shay Given and Aiden McGeady will be fit to face Bulgaria on Saturday, the pair were conspicuous by their absence from this afternoon's squad training in Malahide.
McGeady arrived at the Republic base in north Dublin earlier today but sat out the training session. Instead the Celtic winger rested at the team hotel to nurse a bruised foot.
In Given’s case he remained at his club for further treatment. The Manchester City goalkeeper is expected join up with the squad tonight.
At today’s press briefing after the training session, assistant coach Marco Tardelli said he was “more confident that McGeady will take part in tomorrow’s training than Given”, but is “hopeful” both will be fit in time for Saturday’s game.
Ireland take on a Bulgarian side without star striker Dimitar Berbatov in their World Cup qualifier at Croke Park on Saturday before they face Italy in Bari next week.
The news gets worse for the Bulgarian camp as Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov and Zhivko Milanov are the latest injury doubts.
The Aston Villa midfielder dropped out of today's training session with an apparent hamstring injury, though this was unconfirmed by management.
Levski Sofia right back Milanov is struggling with a knee problem and is struggling to be fit for Saturday's game.
