Steve Finnan is a major doubt for the Republic of Ireland

Fulham defender Steve Finnan has not given up hope of playing in the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifying games aganst Georgia and Albania.

The full-back was not able to play in the Premiership game against Manchester United on Saturday because of a rib injury.

However, he was due to link up with Brian Kerr's squad on Monday.

"He feels he has a slim chance of recovering in time," said manager Kerr, who is awaiting a fitness update on central defender John O'Shea.

The emerging Manchester United prospect played against Fulham but complained of a sore hamstring after the game.

Kerr, looking ahead to his first competitive game in charge of the Republic, will be hoping that Robbie Keane comes through his return to the Tottenham team without any problems.

Keane missed the last three club games because of a knee injury but is due to face Bolton in the Premiership on Monday night.

The fitness of Keane became all the more important when Clinton Morrison dislocated a shoulder on Saturday and had to withdraw from the trip to Tbilisi.

The loss of Morrison was a big blow to Kerr who had watched admiringly as the Birmingham frontman scored in the 2-0 friendly win over Scotland.

"It is very disappointing," said Kerr.

"Clinton did well in Scotland, giving a man-of-the-match performance."