Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni had admitted that he will be forced to look at alternatives if John O'Shea is not fit to feature in next week's friendly against Hungary.
The Sunderland defender missed Saturday's 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium in order to rest a persistent ankle problem.
Trapattoni is hopeful that the 31-year-old will be able to return for Monday's fixture, but has conceded that O'Shea's place in the squad is in jeopardy if he cannot prove his fitness by then.
"I think O'Shea can play in Hungary. He assured me that he can be ready. But we wait because in Budapest he must play," the Italian is quoted as saying in the Irish Examiner.
"I preserve him against Bosnia, like (Shay) Given. I said I would not run the risk but in Hungary he must play or else we have to look at another option."
O'Shea has made 75 appearances for his country since debuting in 2001.
