The Republic of Ireland have touched down in Tbilisi shortly ahead of Saturday's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Georgia.
Conditions in the Georgian capital are a far cry from the balmy sunshine the Irish squad enjoyed in Dublin this week with snow continuing to fall amid freezing temperatures. Temperatures are not expected to rise over the weekend and more snow is predicted to fall on match day.
Brian Kerr's injury-depleted squad departed Dublin at 9 a.m., embarking on the trip without striker Robbie Keane. Keane was attending his father's funeral this morning and has yet to make a decision on his involvement in Georgia, or next Wednesday's match in Albania.
Keane's Tottenham teammate Gary Doherty is likely to don his striker's hat if Keane is absent. Doherty can play either up front or in defence but Keane's possible absence means the former Luton man is likely to be asked to add to his two international goals.
The decision on whether Keane then flies out to join his team-mates for the match has been left with the player.
If Keane decides not to travel, it is possible he may go straight on to Albania for Wednesday's game in Tirana.
Assistant manager Chris Hughton said: "Doherty is one of those rare players who can play equally well in a couple of positions.
"In view of our problems this week with Clinton Morrison ruled out by injury and Robbie Keane grieving over the death of his father, it is fair to say that Gary is more of a centre forward than a centre-half with Ireland at the moment".
Wimbledon striker David Connolly and Brighton's Graham Barrett, currently on loan from Arsenal, both linked up with the squad yesterday after matches for their clubs last night.
Birmingham defender Jeff Kenna also joined up with the party after being called up following a spate of late withdrawals.