Mystery surrounds Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov’s presence or otherwise at Croke Park tomorrow evening remained a topic of discussion in Ireland today.

The Manchester United striker was officially ruled out of tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland with an ankle injury last week, and everything that has come from the Bulgarian camp since has confirmed that.

However, there have been whisperings in Dublin in recent days his injury might not be as bad as was first thought – admittedly, backed up by nothing other than club-mate John O’Shea’s surprise at his absence – and he could yet have a part to play.

Ireland captain Robbie Keane, a former Tottenham team-mate of Berbatov, admitted he simply did not know, but he will be a relieved man if the Bulgarians are missing their star man.

Keane said: “I haven’t spoken to him. I’m not too sure whether he is going to be there or not – John O’Shea is probably the man to ask.

“I’m not too sure – but if he does play, he’s a fantastic player, as I know first hand.

“He’s one of their best players and for them, it’s a big blow if he’s missing.

“But we can’t concentrate on one person because they have a lot of good players in team.

“But obviously, you do hope Berbatov is missing because he’s a key player for them.”

Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stoilov has serious injury problems, although Aston Villa’s Stiliyan Petrov is expected to lead the side in Berbatov’s absence.

However, Ireland counterpart Giovanni Trapattoni has his own concerns with Damien Duff having already been sent home with a hamstring injury and Aiden McGeady struggling with a badly-bruised foot.

Stephen Hunt will line up in Duff’s place, while Wolves striker Andy Keogh seems to be leading the race to step into McGeady boots should he not make it.

Trapattoni said: “When you look at your bench, some players you can choose after one hour, some players you can choose after 10 minutes.

“Hunt gets into the game immediately. As a player, I was like that, I could come on after 30 minutes and be in the game immediately.

“Players who can go on to the pitch and get into the game immediately are very important, and Stephen is one of those players.”