Giovanni Trapattoni's team start their campaign against Georgia

The Republic of Ireland will play their World Cup qualifier against Georgia at a neutral venue because of the security situation in the former Soviet state.

The match was scheduled to be played on 6 September in the capital Tbilisi but the conflict with Russia led the Republic to ask for a change of venue.

Fifa made the decision on Tuesday to hold the game at a neutral stadium.

The Georgian Football Federation has until 26 August to nominate a venue for the Group Eight opener.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are being mentioned as possible venues for the game.

The Republic face another away qualifier against Montenegro four days after the clash with Georgia.

The Football Association of Ireland wrote to Fifa, Uefa and the Georgian Football Federation to request a change of venue for the game.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Fifa's decision

"Fifa reached this decision after closely monitoring the situation in Georgia and taking note that Uefa also decided to ask Georgian clubs involved in Uefa competitions to play their matches in neutral countries," said the governing body.

Speaking in Oslo ahead of Wednesday's friendly clash with Norway, Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane said his side will be ready to face Georgia wherever it is played.

"It is a situation that has happened there that's got nothing to do with us," said Keane.

"It is out of our hands and we have to respect the decision of Fifa.

"But no matter where the game was, we would have gone and played it anywhere because it is important for the group and it is important to get the three points."

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni expressed his sadness at the situation in Georgia and his sympathy for the nation's football team.

However, he acknowledged that he was happy the calendar had remained intact with his planning for the campaign well under way.

"I am sad for Georgia, but that is the situation. It is better that we go away with that calendar," said Trapattoni.