Andy Reid sat out this morning's Republic of Ireland training session ahead of Wednesday's game with Cyprus but manager Steve Staunton is confident the Charlton captain will play.
The creative midfielder was Ireland's best player in the 0-0 draw with Germany on Saturday and shook off an ankle injury to play the game.
Swelling restricted his training last week and the problem flared up again over the weekend.
Staunton insisted Reid's absence today was purely precautionary and remains hopeful he can play at Croke Park on Wednesday.
"Andy is still feeling it from last week. It's just precautionary as there's no point in him getting a kick in training."
John O'Shea (dead leg) and Darren Potter (groin) both missed the weekend game but each took a full part in today's Malahide session.
With Richard Dunne suspended for this week's game, O'Shea is likely to partner Paul McShane - who returns from suspension - at centre half.
"I have good options if Josh (O'Shea) is available and Paul McShane is also there. Joey (O'Brien) also proved he can play in that position."
Lee Carsley's booking the other night means he too sits out the Cyprus game but with Potter, the Wolves midfielder, returning Staunton feels he has ample cover in that department.
"Darren Potter is similar to Lee Carsley and (Liam) Miller is similar to Andy Reid," added Staunton.
Striker Shane Long was ruled out yesterday having returned to Reading to receive treatment on a groin strain picked up after coming off the bench in the latter stages of the German game.
Bobby Robson, meanwhile, is to consider his position as the Republic of Ireland's international football consultant at the end of the current qualifying campaign.
The 74-year-old was appointed to the role on a two-year contract in January 2006 but has missed a number of games as he has undergone treatment for cancer.
• A limited number of tickets for the game will go on sale from FAI headquarters on Merrion Square between 10am and 5pm tomorrow and 10am and 3pm on Wednesday.
