He is so desperate to pull on the Hoops shirt on Wednesday night that he has turned to prayer to help his cause.

Hartson said: “I’m not religious but I have been saying the odd prayer, believe me, and there’s been one or two other people saying a few for me. You have to think about these things.

“I wouldn’t say I’m trying to get over the disappointment because I am still trying to stay positive.

“But if that moment does come, and I have made my mind up and I am not right, then obviously it will sink in then.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet because I am still trying to be fit. But I think I will have to make a decision round about Sunday.

“The boys travel out then so I would have to say then. I wouldn’t have to take part in this bounce game, if I’m okay to run and sprint then I will make a decision.

“I just want to see how it settles down. The physios and doctors here are very good, and I will just wait and see how it is, basically.

“If there is a slight risk tomorrow there is no reason to say I won’t be all right on Wednesday, because five days can be a long time.”

He admits he would be choked for words if he missed out – but insisted he would not rob a team-mate of a place if he was not ready.

The former Wimbledon, Arsenal and Coventry star has been out of action since suffering a back injury against Rangers last month.

Manager Martin O’Neill is trying to organise a practice match for him and Robert Douglas before flying to Spain on Sunday, but Hartson admits his chances of recovering in time are in the lap of the gods.

“For myself I want to be 100%,” he said. “There’s no way I would play if it meant somebody else missing out.

“I will try to get myself mentally as fit as I possibly can and I have to be right in my head 100% to be that way.

“I am up against the clock. I will be totally honest with you, and time is running out.

“I was really pushing to play against Dundee because I knew how important it was to get a game in before Seville.

“And maybe I have overdone it slightly on the Monday and Tuesday and given myself a slight setback, which was disappointing.

“If I’m fit I will be there. I won’t deny another lad getting an opportunity if I am not right, because I am not that sort of person.

“We will just see what happens. I am doing my best to get there, because I know how important it is. It is just so frustrating, the timing of it. It’s in the lap of the gods.

“But I’ve played in all the games and it’s huge. Words can’t describe how disappointed I will be if I have to miss out.”