Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier between San Marino and the Republic of Ireland goes ahead as scheduled despite the current turmoil in Italy following the death of a policeman at a match last night.

All Italian soccer matches have been postponed indefinitely after a 38-year-old police officer was killed during clashes at a derby game between Sicilian clubs Catania and Palermo.

San Marino, the third smallest nation in Europe after Monaco and Vatican City, is an enclave of Italy but football in the country is governed by its own association and not the Italian soccer federation (FIGC).

"San Marino are a separate association to Italy so we see no reason at all why the game wouldn't be played," an FAI spokesman said.

The FIGC has suspended all Italian matches indefinitely and that ruling is also applied to the national teams.

World Champions Italy were scheduled to play a friendly against Romania in Siena on Wednesday but that game is now postponed, as is the Italian under-21 match against Belgium the night before.

"The Italian federation decided to postpone their game with Romania," added the FAI spokesman, "but that decision would not affect San Marino."

A spokesperson for the San Marino football association could not be contacted.

Celtic are due to host AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on February 20th, with the return leg in Italy a fortnight later, and Scotland are scheduled to face the Italians in a Euro 2008 qualifier on March 28th.

Those matches could now be affected if the FIGC and Italian government decide to abandon all football activities on a long-term basis.

Steve Staunton's squad will arrive at their Dublin training base tomorrow before departing for San Marino on Monday afternoon after a training session in Malahide.

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady was last night ruled out of the game with a knee injury and his place in the squad goes to Newcastle's Alan O'Brien who has featured in Staunton selections before.

Reading's Shane Long, one of seven new caps named by the manager, is a doubt with a thigh strain.  He faces a fitness test ahead of the club's Premiership game at Manchester City this afternoon.

Wednesday's international at the Serravalle Stadium kicks off at 7.45pm Irish time.

The Republic of Ireland's international consultant, Bobby Robson, will be presented with the International Personality Award at tomorrow's FAI International Awards at Citywest.

"I am delighted to be receiving this award especially when I look at the list of those who have received this accolade in the past.  It reads like a who's who of international football and I am honoured to be given a place among them," he said.

Former winners of the award include Jack Charlton, Bobby Moore, Eusebio, Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbaur.

"I have enjoyed my time so far with the Irish team and the level of support I got from the FAI and, in particular the Irish people, during my illness last year was a great boost to me. I am really looking forward to the match against San Marino on Wednesday and the rest of the campaign with Stephen and the players."

Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle and Shay Given are the nominees for the Senior International Player award. Doyle is also nominated for the Young Player award, along with McGeady and Paul McShane.