However, today it suggested that option will be used only if the current situation persists, creating further uncertainty for manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his players, who will not know until Tuesday how the situation is to be resolved.

The statement said: “FIFA has asked the GFF (Georgian Football Federation) to name an alternative venue for this match by August 26, 2008 in order to be prepared, should the situation in Georgia still require a neutral venue.”

Trapattoni’s side extended their new manager’s unbeaten run to a three games with a hard-fought draw in Norway last night, and while that may be a modest achievement, the Italian has been delighted with the way his players have bought into his vision for the future.

There will undoubtedly be tougher tests ahead as the Republic attempt to negotiate their way out of a group which also includes reigning World champions Italy, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

But full-back Kevin Kilbane, who won his 88th senior cap in Oslo and knows what it takes to make the finals of a major tournament after playing his part in a remarkable 2002 World Cup adventure in the Far East, is convinced the raw materials are there.

He said: “We have got some great players, wonderful players. We have still got the core of more experienced heads, but we have got some exciting talent coming through.

“We have still got Robbie (Keane), Damien (Duff), Aiden McGeady now is coming in and proving his worth, so we can do well.”

The trip to Montenegro four days after the Georgia match will be no push-over either, and for that reason, the manager was happy to see his players tested by both opponents at a more advanced stage in their domestic league and dreadful weather conditions at the Ullevaal Stadium in their final warm-up match.

Kilbane acknowledged that the series of challenges the fixture threw up was good preparation for what lies ahead.

He said: “Yes, of course. They are a good side and you have to come away from home.

“Our record away from home over the years, we have always spoken about it and we have been poor, so we have got to improve on that.”

One man who is hoping to keep himself in Trapattoni’s thoughts is striker Kevin Doyle, who once again partnered Keane in attack amid speculation over his future at club level.

Aston Villa are reported to be preparing an £8m bid for the Reading frontman, although he insists he is in the dark over what the next few days could bring after a summer of speculation.

Asked if there had been any contact from Villa, he said: “You will have to ask Reading that, I’m not sure. I know there have been enquiries or whatever, but nothing has come of it so far.

“It is always good to be linked with people, but it doesn’t mean anything unless it happens.

“I will just go out and try to do my very best for Reading. Whatever happens happens, but I will always be 100% for Reading.”

Doyle, however, is aware that a lack of Premier League football could affect his international prospects, and is determined to return as soon as possible, one way or another.

He said: “I don’t think it is vital. I made my debut when I was in the Championship.

“But it is one of the best leagues in the world, and there are a few strikers in the Irish squad now who are playing in the Premier League, so that makes it even tougher for me to try to stay in the team.

“But it’s partly my own fault that I’m not playing at that level, so it is up to me to get myself back there.”