Andy Keogh is gearing himself up for one of the biggest tests of his career to date in Italy tomorrow night. The 22-year-old is in line to replace Aiden McGeady on the right side of midfield for the World Cup qualifier at Bari’s San Nicola Stadium if the Celtic man fails to recover from a knee injury.

McGeady did not train with his team-mates in Malahide yesterday morning before flying out to Italy, and although the Irish camp are hopeful he will make it, Keogh has been placed on red alert.

His last competitive start for his country came in a 0-0 draw with Germany in October 2007, and he is relishing the chance to pitch himself into battle with another of Europe’s biggest sides.

Keogh said: “If I was to start, it would be a great game to be involved in and if not, hopefully I will be able to come on and make an impact of some sort.”

Trapattoni has invested great faith in the likes of Keogh and Stephen Hunt, the men who have effectively becomes the deputies for wide men Damien Duff and McGeady during his reign.

Hunt replaced the injured Duff on Saturday and is set to continue in Italy, while the Wolves man too could be given a chance by a manager who has described him in the past as a “clever” player.

Keogh said with a smile: “The manager calls me a clever player? Well, it’s nice to hear. I wouldn’t want to be called a stupid player.

“He gives you confidence. He has class, he definitely gives you a lift. He makes you really want to kick on and get out there, and do the business for him.”

Keogh would win just his 10th cap in Bari if selected, but he is confident the experience of the Germany game will stand him in good stead.

He said: “It was a learning curve. I only got the nod that morning, it was a tough one to come into. But I really enjoyed it. It is just a learning curve and hopefully when I get older, that experience will help me out.”

The Irish squad flew into Bari to be greeted by intense media interest in Trapattoni’s return to his homeland for a game against the side he once managed.

With assistant Marco Tardelli, himself a World Cup winner, at his side, they were the main focus, although Keogh and his team-mates were not being allowing themselves to be distracted by all the attention.

The striker said: “The lads still have their minds on the game. All the attention is on the gaffer and Marco, but the lads still have a massive game coming up.

“Their minds are on that and making sure we are in the best shape possible to achieve something in the game.”