Republic of Ireland full-back Kevin Kilbane has hit out at the decision to seed the World Cup play-offs. The 32-year-old could win his 99th cap against Italy on Saturday evening as the Irish attempt to overhaul the reigning champions at the top of Group Eight with just two games to play.

However, with the Italians enjoying a four-point lead as they head for Dublin, the chances are that Giovanni Trapattoni's men will have to settle for a place in the runners-up lottery, provided they do not allow third-placed Bulgaria to close a five-point gap on them.

FIFA's decision to seed the draw, which was announced last week, means Ireland would come up against one of the stronger sides left in the competition, and that has come as a major blow.

Kilbane said: "It is a joke, let's be honest, because they always seem to bend rules and change things. Little things like this come out over time.

"If it was said at the start, I don't think there would be a problem. We would all know we were on a level footing.

"They seem to move the goalposts, really, don't they? I think it's wrong, I really do.

"But there is nothing I or anybody else in the squad can do about it. We just have to try to focus on these two games coming up."

If the Republic can beat the Italians - the sides drew 1-1 in Bari in April - they would go into next Wednesday's home clash with Montenegro with their hopes of automatic qualification still alive.

However, the news about the draw has left a bad taste in the mouths of players who have seen their chances of making it to next summer's finals in South Africa dealt a significant blow.

Kilbane said: "I genuinely don't think it will come into the lads' thoughts for these two games but, once they are out of the way, then you will start to reflect on it and it isn't right.

"It should have been decided at the start of the group. It's not a hard thing to say at the start that this is the way it is going to be.

"It is wrong that it always comes down to a last-minute thing."

Goalkeeper Shay Given, who could also make a 99th senior appearance for his country at the weekend, has been stunned by FIFA's decision.

Given said: "I think it's pretty disgusting, to be honest.

"Before a ball is kicked, these things should be made clear. Now they change it because some of the big nations are struggling. It's beyond belief, if you ask me.

"It's pretty disgusting because we are a smaller nation and for them to move the goalposts a few weeks before the end of the campaign is pretty poor.

"The smaller nations should maybe put up more of a fight because it is not fair."