Concern remains among the Irish management as to whether goalkeeper Shay Given will be fit enough to play in the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on June 6th.

The Manchester City player has been nursing a hip injury this week, but despite a significant improvement in his condition, he is still doubtful, according to assistant manager Marco Tardelli.

Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday indicated Keiren Westwood is in line to start in Friday’s friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage, but the Italian will not be relishing relying on the youngster in next month’s all important competitive fixture.

“Shay Given is well compared to how he was on Tuesday. Maybe he will be fit for the Bulgaria match and if he is he will start,” Tardelli told reporters in London this afternoon.

Ireland are already without another key player in Reading striker Kevin Doyle, whose Achilles injury was always likely to prevent him from taking to the field against the Bulgarians.

After an effective display against Italy in Bari, Hull City striker Caleb Folan was the frontrunner to replace him, but as the case with Given, doubt remains over his fitness after he stayed with his club to undergo a scan on a knee injury.

“We are watching his situation,” Tardelli said of Folan, who is expected to join the squad on Monday.

In a possible indication of his starting line-up for Friday, Trapattoni had Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger and Eddie Nolan in the same defence for a practice match today.

Westwood, Coventry striker Leon Best and Stoke’s Liam Lawrence are in the frame for debuts along with St Ledger and Nolan.

“I’m happy because the new players have worked very hard and understand the tactics the boss wants, this is positive,” Tardelli added. “Every match is very important to see the new players and know them.”