Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will have to look at his goalkeeping options after it emerged that Kieren Westwood will not travel to Bulgaria.
The Coventry City keeper, who played in the friendly against Nigeria on Friday night, is getting married on the same day that Ireland face Bulgaria in Sofia in a crucial World Cup qualifier, while Dean Kiely’s decision to retire from international football last Thursday leaves Trapattoni looking for back-up for Shay Given.
Kiely was thought to be unhappy at the fact that Westwood played against Nigeria instead of getting a run out himself.
Ireland’s Italian boss, meanwhile, remains happy with the way he has worked the situation, saying: “It was important he [Westwood] had a test. It had nothing to do with a wedding or not; we wanted to test another player,” he insisted.
“We will look and see. Colin Doyle was with us in Portugal, Paddy Kenny has played very well for Sheffield United and maybe Wayne Henderson. Joe Murphy is also an option, but he too is on holidays.”
Trapattoni also admitted that his side’s next fixture was going to be far from easy, adding: “This is Bulgaria’s final chance to qualify so for us it will be the most difficult game of the campaign.”
Given, for his part, revealed that he did not expect Kiely’s decision.
“I was surprised,” the Donegal man admitted, “but you have to respect his decision. I did speak to him and he just said he was going home to spend time with his family. And if he has decided to do that, that is his right to do.”
The net-minder also rubbished suggestions that Ireland will travel to Sofia looking for a draw.
“I don’t think we are going to do over there and look for a draw. We just have to make sure we are defensively sound because we have the players to cause them a lot of problems.”