Giovanni Trapattoni finally admitted defeat yesterday over hopes that Kevin Doyle would have recovered from an Achilles tendon injury in time face Bulgaria in Sofia on 6th June. Already expected to miss Friday’s friendly with Nigeria, there had been an outside chance that the Reading striker would recover in time to play in the World Cup qualifier but those hopes have now passed.

With Noel Hunt already ruled out by injury, Ireland’s striking options are somewhat limited. Limited further for Friday’s game with the news that Hull City striker Caleb Folan will miss the game at Craven Cottage due a knee injury.

Also suffering from a knock is Shay Given although the Irish boss has already suggested that he will field an experimental side on Friday night. Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood looks set to start while Liam Lawrence, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger, Kevin Foley and Leon Best are all also in line for debuts.

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