Kelly's loss could be a net gain for Kiely
If Dean Kiely plays for the Republic of Ireland tonight in their home friendly against Russia, the chance to impress will not have come a moment too soon.
The Charlton goalkeeper has been in top form in the Premiership since the beginning of last season but has not added to his collection of four international caps for nearly two years.
He has had to settle for being Ireland's second or third choice since he played in a 2-2 friendly draw against Mexico in June 2000.
But the 31-year-old may be given another opportunity to play tonight because Blackburn's Alan Kelly injured a knee in training.
Republic manager Mick McCarthy wants to give someone other than his No1, Newcastle's Shay Given, a chance during the run-up to the World Cup finals this summer and Kiely is ready to take it.
He said: "You have to stay alive and on top of your game so that you are prepared when your time comes. The manager has said that the goalkeeper's position is as much about getting the chance to be No1 as anything else because in terms of ability and standards all three of us are much the same.
"You never know when the situation is going to change so you have to stay ready. If the criteria to play is based on what you are doing for your club then I feel all I can do is to continue playing the way I am.
"The bigger picture is that Ireland will be playing in the World Cup finals and I just hope I can play a part in the tournament."
International round-up
