As of last night, the FAI were expecting that Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, John O'Shea, Aiden McGeady and Darren O'Dea would be free to join up with Giovanni Trapattoni for that game after completing their various personal and club commitments.

If that proves to be the case, then it will leave Trapattoni with some decisions to make as regards his first proper starting 11, following on from the two training games here in Portugal.

He seems happy with how things have progressed on this trip, speaking yesterday more specifically about those players that have left their mark on him.

Interestingly, he also veered into the subject of formations, but having stated that he would be changing gradually rather than rapidly, then it is likely that a more traditional 4-4-2 line-up will be named on Saturday, albeit with a degree of flexibility, particularly in forward areas.

"In 30 years, I have changed a lot. I used to play with a libero, and our team always scored more goals and conceded less," said Trapattoni. "Afterwards, with Liam Brady and Tardelli, I played 4-4-2. In Germany, I played 4-3-3 and in Portugal 4-3-3.

"Last year, I played 4-4-1-1 and changed more. Here, I think we have players we can change when we need to. We start with Robbie Keane, and we can play 4-4-1-1, we also have McGeady who is important, we have a chance to change the system."

With Eircom running a competition, which closes today, awarding prizes to its broadband customers for successfully guessing Trapattoni's first starting selection, we're getting in on the act, although banking on the perhaps aspirational notion that all those named will be available.

Goalkeeper: Dean Kiely

With all due respect to Joe Murphy and Kieren Westwood, there's little doubt that Kiely will win his ninth cap at Croke Park. The fact that he has come back at all is something of a surprise, but it must be with the expectation and, perhaps, the promise that he is clear second choice. An opportunity for him to make Irish fans less worried about Shay Given's well being.

Right Back: Stephen Kelly

Trapattoni made special reference to Kevin Foley yesterday, praising him for his performance against Esperanca and seemingly surprised by his quality. But Kelly holds the shirt at the moment, and his experience will keep him there.

Left Back: John O'Shea

In the long run, when Kevin Kilbane is back fit, it is thought that O'Shea will be used as a centrehalf partner for Richard Dunne, although Andy O'Brien's return would pose a dilemma in that department.

For Serbia, however, Trapattoni has the choice of playing either Damien Delaney -- who has struggled to convince at left full in the training games -- or the safer bet of opting for O'Shea who should hopefully be recovered from his journey to Moscow.

Centre-Half: Richard Dunne

Has been with Manchester City in Thailand, while dealing with the question of his future, but despite all of that, the FAI think he will be playing on Saturday. Certainly, the heart of the Irish defence needs him badly, with his youthful replacements failing to convince in his absence.

In terms of leadership and organisation, his presence is essential if Trap's Croker debut is to be a success.

Centre Half: Alex Bruce:

Presuming that it's too soon for Darren O'Dea to make an impression when he links up on Friday, then it's a choice between Bruce and Paul McShane if Trapattoni goes for O'Shea at left-back. He has spoken positively about both, but he did suggest yesterday that McShane lacks confidence at the moment, while Ipswich man Bruce got a more positive mention. "He is calm, he plays with confidence and he has trust," said the Trap.

Central Midfield: Liam Miller & Stephen McPhail

Probably the toughest to predict, considering that not much really separates those in contention. The experience of Miller puts him in a strong position, while Trapattoni has spoken about how Glenn Whelan and Darren Potter have surprised him with their quality. Martin Rowlands has clearly won his affections as well, although young Owen Garvan only got 45 minutes of game time in the training matches.

It's significant that Stephen McPhail made the effort to come out so soon after his Cardiff FA Cup exploits, and was thrown into the Esperanca match on the night that he travelled when it was unsure if he would even be involved at all. Don't be shocked if Trap goes with the reasonably safe option of partnering him with Miller, although it would be equally unsurprising if either Whelan or Potter were selected.

Right Wing: Damien Duff

Likely to interchange in games, but Duff has started both training games on the right flank, so it's entirely likely that he will begin from that station on Saturday. Trapattoni is of the opinion that Duff needs more games to regain the sharpness and form that has deserted him this year, so he is sure to use him extensively against both Serbia and Colombia, for his confidence if nothing else.

Left Wing: Stephen Hunt

Considering that Aiden McGeady will be exerting himself for Celtic tomorrow night, then the percentage call is that a start in the Colombia game will be offered to him rather than a quick outing against Serbia.

Certainly, Trap is a big fan of the Celtic star, so Hunt will have to impress sufficiently if awarded the opportunity on Saturday.

Strikers: Kevin Doyle &

Robbie Keane

Likely to be Ireland's first choice partnership in September, although Trapattoni has spoken repeatedly of the need to develop the relationship between his front two, whoever they may be. In truth, the duo haven't quite hit it off to date, so the Italian will be keen to work on that and see them together first hand on Saturday.

Best of the Rest: Andy Keogh & Kevin Foley

Leaving aside McGeady, who, as stated above, is more likely to be utilised in the Colombia game in London next Thursday rather than the Serb encounter, then it's Wolves pair Keogh and Foley who appear to have forced their way into Trapattoni's thoughts.

"Foley plays very like me," smiled Trapattoni, in assessing the right-full.