Republic of Ireland deputy manager Roy Keane keeps his fingers crossed that striker Jonathan Walters will be fit to qualify for the World Cup against Georgia and Serbia.
The Burnley forward has been unable to train with the Irish squad as he deals with the ankle problem that kept him from the 1-1 Premier League draw against Tottenham on Sunday.
Walters, whose late goal Ireland drew 1-1 with Austria and who kept hopes of qualifying for the World Cup on track, is viewed by Keane as a leader in and out of the park.
The Irish are on par with Serbia at the top of Group D after six qualifying games with Serbia and travel to Tbilisi to face Georgia on Saturday. Live at Sky Sports Football before three days later Serbia visited the Aviva Stadium.
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Keane said: “Jon is a very important player in the locker room, he’s a leader. Cross your fingers, he’s fit.
“It’s a long way, but that’s not an excuse. It’s the same for everyone, we’re in good hands.
“I don’t want players picking up stupid cards, but you have to be ready. Focus on Saturday, it’s like a normal week.
Watch Roy Keane, Assistant Manager of the Republic of Ireland share his thoughts on the rising transfer fees over the summer window
“We have played Georgia several times over the last few years and it has always been difficult, but we are positive.
“It was great, the trip was fantastic. I am really enjoying the job and I am hungry for success for Ireland.”
Midfielders Jeff Hendrick (thigh) and James McCarthy (thigh) are excluded from qualifying against Georgia and Serbia.
Midfielder Eunan O’Kane has since returned to Leeds to continue treatment for an ongoing groin injury and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has trained himself after being sent off against Burton over the weekend.
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