Dean Kiely’s Republic of Ireland future looks in serious jeopardy after he left the squad when informed Shay Given will start tomorrow's friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage and Keiren Westwood will deputise for the Donegal man. The West Brom goalkeeper has returned home to spend time with his family, disappointed that his recent form has not resulted in an international return.

Trapattoni revealed his disappointment at the decision on the eve of the match. His preparations for the World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria have been disrupted as he is now expected to call-up another goalkeeper.

“I had to inform these new players that they can play,” Trapattoni said. “All the team accepts this situation but there was some disappointment for Dean Kiely. He wanted to go with his family.

“If he stayed with us, it’s better, but he wished to go. He said he was a bit disappointed, he thought he had an opportunity. We have other options.

“I’m a bit disappointed. I have to respect the older players. But my job is to look forward at other situations. In the future we will see what happens.”

Kiely, 38, has previously retired from international football, in 2003, before returning when Trapattoni was appointed. His recent return to first-team action with West Brom, ahead of Scott Carson, contributed to defensive solidity that almost resulted in an unlikely scramble to safety in the Premier League.

Trapattoni could now call-up Paddy Kenny, Colin Doyle or Joe Murphy as cover for the Sofia trip.

Given starts behind an inexperienced defence that contains debutants Kevin Foley of Wolves, Preston's Sean St. Ledger and Eddie Nolan, as well as veteran Richard Dunne.

In midfield, either Damien Duff or Aiden McGeady will start on the left but both will play a half, while Liam Miller and Keith Andrews form a central pairing and another new face, Stoke's Liam Lawrence, will make his debut on the right.

Up front, Coventry's Leon Best will also debut, alongside captain Robbie Keane.

“I haven’t seen much of Leon play but the last couple of days have been impressive. He has a good touch and is a good finisher. He has the opportunity and it’s up to him to take it,” said the captain.

Those sentiments were echoed by the manager.

“This is a big opportunity for the new players," said the Italian. "They have been in the squad and have not played so this is an opportunity for them to show what they can do.”

Keane is hoping that the winning mentality that has been forged by going unbeaten so far in qualifiers will continue against Nigeria and, ultimately, against Bulgaria.

“We’re in good shape, confidence is high. Bulgaria is the bigger picture. As long as the players don’t get any injuries, that’s the main thing.

“It gives them a cap but you should want to win every game you play. Nobody wants to mark their first cap with a defeat so the new lads will want to impress.”

Keane will take the responsibility of speaking to younger players ahead of their debuts and he is relishing the chance to see Ireland’s “future”.

“The senior players always have responsibility,” he said. “But they’ve been around for a while at club level also. I will speak to him about that.

“Niall Quinn was great at doing that for me. He’s been a great friend and if you have any problems, you could always give him a call and speak to him. It was great to have someone like him around, he was always there to put an arm around your shoulder and have a word to help you out.

“You have to give the youngsters a chance eventually. We need a few new faces because they are the future. They deserve the opportunity.”

Republic of Ireland team to face Nigeria:Shay Given (Manchester City); Kevin Foley (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Sean St. Ledger (Preston North End), Eddie Nolan (Preston North End); Damien Duff (Newcastle United)/Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Liam Miller (QPR), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City); Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Leon Best (Coventry City).