Tardelli: injured stars will be ready

NO LESS than four of Ireland’s expected starting line-up against Bulgaria were forced to sit out training in London yesterday – but Marco Tardelli insisted that all would be fit to play in Sofia.

Robbie Keane (foot), Shay Given (hip), Richard Dunne (knee) and Caleb Folan (knee) were all restricted to a watching brief at Arsenal’s training ground but Ireland’s assistant manager said the decision to rest the players was purely precautionary.

“Sometimes the players take a rest because they need to recover or rest,” said Tardelli. “But there’s no problem. Yes, yes they will be okay for Saturday. All players are good.”