“That was purely a precautionary move,” said assistant manager Chris Hughton.

“Gary will be ready for Saturday after playing for Spurs against Bolton on Monday night. It was better for him to go through a recovery session in the swimming pool than take on a training session.”

Doherty’s versatility makes him a key figure in the squad and Hughton admits his presence could prove particularly important up front.

“Doherty is one of those rare players who can play equally well in a couple of positions,” Hughton added.

“In view of our problems this week with Clinton Morrison ruled out by injury and Robbie Keane grieving over the death of his father, it is fair to say that Gary is more of a centre forward than a centre-half with Ireland at the moment.”

Wimbledon Striker David Connolly and Brighton’s Graham Barrett, currently on loan from Arsenal, both linked up with the squad this morning after matches for their club sides last night.

Birmingham defender Jeff Kenna also joined up with the party after being called up following a spate of late withdrawals.

Spurs striker Keane will attend his father’s funeral in Dublin on Thursday morning while his Irish team-mates fly out to Tbilisi.

The decision on whether Keane then flies out to join his team-mates for the match has been left entirely with the player himself.

If Keane decides not to travel, it is possible he may go straight on to Albania for Wednesday’s game in Tirana.