Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is confident that injuries to Kevin Foley and Keith Fahey will clear up within the next 10 days.
Ten of the 23-man squad selected for the European Championship finals campaign assembled in Dublin today and were involved in the first training session of what will be a hectic period stretching to at least three weeks.
The remainder of the panel are due to arrive into their Portmarnock base on Sunday, affording plenty of preparatory team for the first of opening friendly on Saturday, May 26 when Bosnia and Herzegovina visit the Aviva Stadium.
Trapattoni will use that window to monitor the fitness of Foley and Fahey as well as acquaint his charges with the challenges posed by opponents Croatia, Spain and Italy at the finals in Poland.
"The doctor thinks in maybe a week or 10 days they could be fit," said Trap .
"They (Foley and Fahey) are both important for us. It was important to check this. They could also stay at their clubs but we can see what happens here with our physiotherapist and doctor.
"I saw a minimum 30 DVDs of Spain, Italy, Croatia – both official (competitive) games and friendly games, because I want to know every little detail. I wish to give the players 100 per cent about our players and opponents.
"I say always and say it again that we must start the game with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is very important for the national team."
The 10 players involved in today's initial training session were goalkeepers Keiren Westwood and David Forde, defenders Kevin Foley, Darren O'Dea and Sean St Ledger, midfielders Keith Fahey and Darron Gibson, wingers Stephen Hunt and James McClean as well as striker Simon Cox
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