FAI have plans to fly Robbie to Tbilisi

THE FAI have made special plans to fly Robbie Keane to Tbilisi today if he decides to play against Georgia tomorrow in the European Championship qualifying tie.

The FAI have gone to pains to ensure there is no pressure on the centre-forward who is grieving the loss of his father, also Robbie, who was buried yesterday. Indeed no official was prepared to confirm that seats have been booked that would take him from Dublin to London and on to Tbilisi at this sensitive time.

It goes without saying that if Keane decides to travel then Ireland's prospects of recovering lost ground in the championship would be hugely enhanced. But football is regarded by the FAI as a distant second to the player's feelings and those of his family at this time of mourning.