Alan Kelly currently lags some way behind Shay Given in the attentions of Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

The Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper started the qualifying campaign as number one but has since fallen out of favour since his form dipped at Ewood Park.

At 33, he still has time to resurrect his international career but, now third choice behind Given and Dean Kiely, he has his work cut out.

That is not the only battle on Kelly's hands, however.

He faces a race against time to regain his fitness after an operation on a troublesome knee ligament.