World Cup qualifiers:After the disappointment of losing Damien Duff to injury there appears to be better news in the Republic of Ireland camp as Aiden McGeady completed a full training session today and is "expected to make the starting XI" for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

The Celtic winger has been feeling the effects of a bruised foot he sustained in the weekend game against Dundee United and took his first, albeit a restricted, involvement in squad training yesterday before making further progress at this afternoon's training session.

Giovanni Trapattoni said at today’s pre-match press conference: “Aiden is warming up before us at training because his foot is a little painful and I am confident because he wishes to play. But he will play only when we are sure he is 100 per cent fit.”

Ireland have already been deprived of Duff for the Bulgaria game, as well as next Wednesday’s trip to meet Italy, after the Newcastle United winger withdrew from the squad yesterday due to a thigh injury.

The Italian has confirmed that Stephen Hunt will take the place of Duff in the team, while the names of Andy Keogh and Shane Long were mentioned today by the manager as possible replacements should McGeady not win his fitness race.

He said: “Andy Keogh played against Colombia and he scored a goal in the friendly against Serbia. We also have (Shane) Long in this position.”

The question of the right-back berth was also addressed by the Italian. Steve Finnan’s absence from the squad because of injury meant Stephen Kelly, Kevin Foley and Paul McShane were vying for the spot and the boss has opted for the latter.

He said: “Yesterday I saw all the right-back defenders in training. I think McShane has the best chance because he can play right-back and also in the centre. I can also change John O’Shea to right-back. McShane will play.”

Trapattoni also called on Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes to fill the void left by Duff’s departure. The 20-year-old flew into Dublin last night after Duff returned to Tyneside to have treatment on his hamstring injury.

As the attention switched to Ireland’s injury problems during the week, it has been easy to forget that Bulgaria are not exactly in rude health themselves.

Dimitar Berbatov, Valeri Bojinov and Martin Petrov are among a lengthy injury list for the visitors. Stiliyan Petrov, who will captain the side in Berbatov’s absence, has been passed fit but new coach Stanimir Stoilov could have done without so many of his big names missing.

“It’s a fact that we are coming here to Dublin with big problems, with injuries to important players,” he said this evening. “The stars of the Bulgarian team, like Berbatov, are out.”

Bulgaria have endured a stuttering start to their campaign. Three points from their opening three games cost Stoilov’s predecessor, Plamen Markov, his job and leaves the visitors desperately in need of a win tomorrow night.

“If we lose this game we can say goodbye to the World Cup,” Stoilov admitted. “We are not interested that we are going to be playing in Dublin. We will play to win. We have already made too many mistakes so we can’t afford to lose any more points. The best chance for qualification is to win against Ireland and Italy.”

With so many rumours flying around this week, the mere sight of Martin Petrov sharing a joke with players in the hotel lobby today led to speculation the Manchester City winger could be in line for a dramatic return.

Stoilov, however, insisted he is in Dublin merely as a spectator and neither he nor Berbatov will be available for selection.

“He came to see the game, nothing more. Four of the English-based players will be missing.”