The 31-year-old suffered a fractured cheekbone in Wigan's 5-0 victory at Hull at the weekend, and underwent surgery to repair the damage the following day.

However, in a move which has hugely impressed Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni, Kilbane reported for international duty with the rest of his team-mates and is ready to play against the Georgians.

Asked if the defender will wear a mask after he put his players through their paces in Malahide last night, Trapattoni said: "Maybe. Tomorrow, he will go with our doctor.

"He has told me, 'I am okay, I am ready like this', but maybe it is better if he has a little bit of protection.

"But what is important is his mentality. He said to me, 'I want to be in the team, I want to play', and that is a big, big example to all the Ireland players because that is a very important
mentality.

"With that mentality, I am confident we will go forward. Today he will have another check but I am not worried...I am sure he can play."
Kilbane won his 88th senior cap in Norway last month, and Trapattoni is keen to retain his experience.

Among those also away on international duty are Latics' only three senior strikers, Emile Heskey, Amr Zaki and Henri Camara.