The Republic of Ireland have been dealt a minor setback with the decision by goalkeeper Dean Kiely to quit the squad.

It appears that the West Bromwich Albion shot-stopper asked permission to leave the training camp in London this week as he wanted to be closer to his family.

While it is not yet certain whether Kiely had to address an urgent family matter or not, he was informed that he would not be playing in Friday's friendly against Nigeria.

Manchester City's Shay Given will start between the posts at Craven Cottage before Kieren Westwood [Coventry City] gets a chance to impress on what will be his senior debut.

Kiely's exit is not ideal for Ireland as they are currently preparing for a friendly match and a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria next week. This could be the end of the 38-year-old's international career.

"I had to inform these new players that they can play," Trapattoni said at a press conference on Thursday.

"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.

"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."

The Italian hinted that he could call up a third keeper for next week's trip to Sofia and name-checked Colin Doyle [Birmingham City], Joe Murphy [Scunthorpe United], and Paddy Kenny [Sheffield United] as possibilities.