Sunderland's Liam Miller has been added to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Germany and Cyprus qualifiers with manager Steve Staunton urging the Corkman to prove his worth.
With Andy Reid struggling to overcome an ankle injury, Staunton was short of creative options in midfield following Stephen Ireland's late withdrawal yesterday for well documented personal reasons.
Considering his club form of late, Miller (26) was something of a surprise omission when the manager named his original squad last week but earns a reprieve ahead of Saturday's games against Group D leaders Germany at Croke Park.
"He done okay at Manchester United when given a chance," said Staunton, who now wants the Corkman to capitalise on whatever opportunities may come his way during the week.
"He's got back in the (Sunderland) side the last couple of games and played well on Sunday. But prior to that he was only getting back into the swing of things really and it will take time. We need Liam playing regularly."
He added: "I've always liked Liam, he was in my first squad. But at this moment in time he has not fulfilled his potential and it's down to Liam. He's at a good age and the more games he plays for Sunderland the better for everyone, including himself."
Indeed, Sunderland manager Roy Keane was so impressed with his fellow Corkman's performance against Arsenal on Sunday that he insisted Miller should be a regular in Ireland squads in the future.
The 26-year-old last played in the 4-0 home friendly defeat to Holland last year and has not featured in this qualifying campaign to date - although a succession of injuries has played its part in that.
"If he is playing like that against sides like Arsenal he shouldn't just be in the (Ireland) squad, he should be in the starting eleven and dictating games for Ireland," said Keane earlier this week.
Reid, meanwhile, did not train with the squad in Malahide this morning but was put through his paces in the gym. The Charlton captain had a scan on a swollen ankle yesterday but nothing adverse showed up in the results.
Consequently, Staunton has refused to rule the creative midfielder out of the game but admits it is unlikely the Dubliner will play in both matches.
"Nothing is showing up on the scan," said Staunton. "It's a mystery to have all that fluid in the ankle. It's looking as if he plays Saturday he probably wouldn't be fit for Wednesday. We'll take it day-by-day."
Manchester United's John O'Shea (dead leg) and Darren Potter (foot) of Wolves took a limited part in training this morning but sat out the majority of the session. Staunton, though, is cautiously optimistic both will be available for selection and, possibly, for training in Malahide tomorrow.
Germany, meanwhile, have suffered a succession of injury problems ahead of the game and today ruled out Bernd Schneider (knee) and Roberto Hilbert (ankle).
Yesterday, Werder Bremen's Tim Borowski (back) lost his fitness battle. Together the trio join Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose on the sidelines.
Manager Joachim Loew will not call up replacements. "We have enough players already in the squad to take their place,'' he said.
