Ward at the ready as Kilbane awaits decision on fitness fight

KEVIN KILBANE will find out today if he will be available for selection for Ireland’s European Championship qualifier against Slovakia tomorrow night but it looks increasingly like Stephen Ward will now get the nod to start the game at left-back.

Kilbane, who has racked up 66 competitive games in succession for Ireland, is struggling with a back injury. Yesterday, he made a brief appearance at the Irish training base in Gannon Park but couldn’t even run.

“He is in much pain,” said assistant manager Marco Tardelli.