Kevin Doyle has been given some extra time to prove his fitness ahead of the Republic of Ireland's match with Bulgaria.
Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed at the squad announcement for the friendly with Nigeria and the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria that Doyle could yet be involved.
The Reading striker damaged his Achilles during the Coca-Cola Championship Play-Off semi-final with Burnley, so fears over his fitness instantly grew as he was spotted on crutches soon after the injury had happened.
However, Trapattoni has given him hope of still making the final squad that travels to Sofia, but only if he is '100 per cent fit'.
"For now, we don't have a sure answer. In about one week, we will look to see if he starts training," stated Trapattoni.
"When he starts training, the scan will be important because this injury is very, very dangerous.
"Only if he will be 100 per cent, we will have to decide if he can play because when you get an injury in this position it is very difficult to recover from. It is very delicate."
Trapattoni suggested that he has good cover in Caleb Folan, Shane Long, and Leon Best, should Doyle not reach the fitness levels required, but he will be given time to convince the medical staff that he is ready.
Comments