Duffy to join up with McCarthy's squad ahead of Saturday's crucial qualifier away to Georgia

Mick McCarthy has confirmed that defender Shane Duffy will travel to Tbilisi ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s crucial Group D clash versus Georgia.

Duffy was omitted from McCarthy’s initial squad, but he has since declared himself fit for Saturday afternoon’s showdown.

The 27-year-old Derry native picked up a calf injury during Brighton and Hove Albion’s League Cup defeat at home to Aston Villa two week’s ago.  

“I’ve just had a text from him saying he’s been given the all-clear this morning,” McCarthy told the FAI’s media team.

“He’s trained with the lads so he must have done some football work. That’s good news. He’s on a flight this afternoon to travel and he’ll be with us to travel to Georgia tomorrow.

“All along he’s been pretty confident that he’d be okay. It wasn’t as bad as they thought. He’s been running all week and he said he trained with the team this morning, so if he’s done full training, he’s fine.” 

However, the former Ipswich Town boss is less optimistic about the hopes of striker David McGoldrick making the squad – with the hero from the Switzerland game struggling with a groin strain.

“I spoke to Didsy yesterday and he was still feeling the groin,” McCarthy added.  

“Saturday is going to be far too soon but if he’s alright and he trains over the weekend, he might still be an option as a sub against Switzerland, maybe not starting after three weeks.”