<notforsyndication>The Ireland v Nigeria game is live on Friday at 7.30pm on RTÉ Radio 1 LW 252 and DAB and worldwide online at RTÉ.ie.</notforsyndication>
Dean Kiely's Republic of Ireland future looks in serious jeopardy after he left the squad when informed he would not feature in the friendly against Nigeria.
Giovanni Trapattoni has Shay Given returning from injury and wants to look at Keiren Westwood, with West Brom goalkeeper Kiely telling the Ireland coach he would return home to spend time with his family.
Trapattoni revealed his disappointment at the decision on the eve of the friendly at Craven Cottage. His preparations for the World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria have been disrupted as he is now expected to call-up another goalkeeper.
‘I had to inform these new players that they can play,’ Trapattoni said. ‘All the team accepts this situation but there was some disappointment for Dean Kiely. He wanted to go with his family.
‘If he stayed with us, it's better, but he wished to go. He said he was a bit disappointed, he thought he had an opportunity. We have other options.
‘I'm a bit disappointed. I have to respect the older players. But my job is to look forward at other situations. In the future we will see what happens.’
Kiely, 38, has previously retired from international football, in 2003, before returning when Trapattoni was appointed.
Trapattoni could now call-up Paddy Kenny, Colin Doyle or Joe Murphy as cover for the Sofia trip.
Ahead of that qualifier, which would take Ireland closer to the World Cup if they win, the Nigeria friendly gives Trapattoni a chance to look at some of his younger players. Kevin Foley, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger, Liam Lawrence and Leon Best are set for their debuts.
Robbie Keane is likely to partner Best in attack, and the skipper said: ‘I haven't see much of Leon play but the last couple of days have been impressive. He has a good touch and is a good finisher. He has the opportunity and it's up to him to take it.’
Keane is hoping that the winning mentality that has been forged by going unbeaten so far in qualifiers will continue against Nigeria and, ultimately, against Bulgaria.
‘We're in good shape, confidence is high. Bulgaria is the bigger picture. As long as the players don't get any injuries, that's the main thing.
‘It gives them a cap but you should want to win every game you play. Nobody wants to mark their first cap with a defeat so the new lads will want to impress.’
Keane will take the responsibility of speaking to younger players ahead of their debuts and he is relishing the chance to see Ireland's ‘future’.
‘The senior players always have responsibility,’ he said. ‘But they've been around for a while at club level also. I will speak to him about that.
‘Niall Quinn was great at doing that for me. He's been a great friend and if you have any problems, you could always give him a call and speak to him. It was great to have someone like him around, he was always there to put an arm around your shoulder and have a word to help you out.
‘You have to give the youngsters a chance eventually. We need a few new faces because they are the future. They deserve the opportunity.’
