Concern over injuries to Given and McGeady

Goalkeeper Shay Given and winger Aiden McGeady have emerged as injury worries for Giovanni Trapattoni, ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria at Croke Park on Saturday. Given sustained shoulder injury in Manchester City's win over Sunderland yesterday, while McGeady took a “knock” in Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United. Both are having treatment at their clubs.

Trapattoni will be comforted by the fact the pair are not needed until later in the week, with the game still four full days away, but concerned by the prospect of being without one or two of his most important players.

However, speaking today, the Italian's assistant Marco Tardelli appeared confident both would recover in time.

"We have (Steve) Finnan out, McGeady picked up a knock and Given has a problem with his shoulder. Both are undergoing treatment at their clubs but I'm sure that they will be fit," said Tardelli.

An encouraging prognosis, given the goalkeeper's absence would significantly weaken Ireland’s defensive line, while McGeady has offered a potent attacking threat of late for his country.

It was not clear if the pair will join the squad when it assembles in Dublin tomorrw.

A hamstring injury has already cost the manager the services of Espanyol's Finnan, while Bulgaria will be without star man Dimitar Berbatov.

The Manchester United striker's absence is not necessarily a welcome one, Tardelli insisted.

"Happy? I'm not happy that he is injured. I would prefer to play against Berbatov because football is important for young people and I would prefer if Bulgaria had their full team, if there weren't any injuries.

"For us, I think we are a good team and it is possible for us to win against Bulgaria, whether they are with or without Berbatov."

Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov is certainly not happy about it but was upbeat despite the loss today.

"Unfortunately, we've lost our most important players," said Stoilov, who has also been deprived of winger Martin Petrov and defender Alexandar Tunchev.

"But this is the reality, we can't change it and we have to do everything possible to win against Ireland."

Stoilov said Berbatov will be replaced by Hertha Berlin striker Valeri Domovchiyski and Aston Villa midfielder Stilian Petrov will wear the captain's armband.

“We know it's an extremely important match for us," he added. "Ireland are a well-organised team and I want to see us being brave in attack."

A win against Bulgaria would send Ireland 10 points clear of the side side seen before the group began as their main rival for second place behind Italy. Defeat, however, would invite them back into contention with a game in hand.

Ireland currently share top place with the Azzurri on 10 points and second place is no longer the objective.

Italy face a tough away fixture to Montenegro on Saturday. Should they fail to win in Podgorcia, an Ireland victory would see Trapattoni return to his native land as group eight leader with his adopted country.