Tardelli: Georgia game a chance to experiment

Sandwiched between England at Wembley and a World Cup qualifier, it’s fair to say that not too many people have had Georgia on their mind.

But you can be sure Giovanni Trapattoni will be giving plenty of thought to the team he will field in tomorrow’s game against opponents who are managed by Temuri Ketsbaia, a gifted player still fondly remembered in this part of the world for dementedly kicking an advertising hoarding as he celebrated a goal for Newcastle United.

Only later today will Trapattoni show his hand but already we know for sure that a couple of players definitely won’t be featuring in his team, Marco Tardelli indicating yesterday that John O’Shea and David Forde will be rested and confirming that Robbie Brady has had to withdraw from the squad altogether with a groin problem. Rubbing salt in the Hull winger’s wound was the assistant manager’s follow-up revelation: “The plan was to start him against Georgia. It’s unlucky for him.”