Tardelli backs Given to face Bulgaria

REPUBLIC of Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli is hopeful of Shay Given being fit for the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria next week.

Manchester City goalkeeper Given has been struggling with a hip injury and will miss tomorrow night’s friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage but he has taken part in light training.

Tardelli said: “Shay Given is well compared to how he was on Tuesday. Maybe he will be fit for the Bulgaria match and if he is he will start.”

Kevin Doyle will miss both games with a calf strain and fellow striker Caleb Folan has had a scan on his knee but is expected to return to the next week after the Nigeria match.

“We are watching his situation,” Tardelli added.

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni hinted at his starting XI for the Nigeria match when he lined up Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger and Eddie Nolan in defence for a practice match.

Keiren Westwood, Leon Best and Liam Lawrence are in the frame for debuts along with St Ledger and Nolan.

“I’m happy because the new players have worked very hard and understand the tactics the boss wants, this is positive,” Tardelli added. “Every match is very important to see the new players and know them.”

Stephen Hunt is looking to forget the bitter disappointment of missing out on promotion with Reading by pushing Ireland closer to the World Cup.

Hunt, who has been tipped for a move to the Premier League after losing in the play-offs with his current club, is hoping to earn a starting place for the qualifier against Bulgaria next week.

Trapattoni’s men are unbeaten in their World Cup campaign so far – helped by a late equaliser against Italy last time out – and Hunt is part of a squad brimming with confidence.

The 27-year-old midfielder said: “To get away from club football is a different environment and there is a lot of confidence after the Italy match. We’re looking forward to it. The Bulgaria game is the main event.

“The last game did me the world of good in terms of confidence. Out of the last six or seven I’ve played around four of them so if I can get to start against Bulgaria which is the most important thing.

“The long goal is South Africa and we’ll take little steps at a time. The Bulgaria game will be tough, they played well at our place.

Hunt added: “We have loads of options up front, Damien Duff or I can play up there if needs be. We’ve got a strong camp and everyone is flying.”