Just as Shay Given returned to full training, Ireland were hit with a major blow as Damien Duff was ruled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria and Italy.

An upper leg muscle injury saw Duff return to England for treatment with Irish assistant manager Liam Brady later confirming that Duff would now miss both games.

Doubts remain over the fitness of Aiden McGeady who again missed training in Malahide today.

Stephen Hunt will come in for Duff in the starting line-up although the possible absence of McGeady may force a formation re-think if Geovanni Trapattoni has to replace two of his regular starting midfield.

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