Keane's absence adds to complications for Kerr

The warning notice on arrival at Tbilisi was clear. Do not take your shirt off in a public place – otherwise it may provoke a fight. Remove any more items of clothing and you run the risk of being shot.

Expressions of nakedness were unlikely in the near zero temperatures and bracing winds that greeted the Republic of Ireland as they arrived in the Georgian capital yesterday after a five-hour flight. But Brian Kerr, the manager, may have felt exposed nevertheless. Six withdrawals so far – with Robbie Keane left to decide whether he is able to travel following the death of his father – mean that resources are stretched as Kerr enters his first two competitive matches in charge after beating Scotland in a friendly last month.

The Irish, of course, are yet to register a point in the qualifying phase for Euro 2004, in a group which is turning into a nightmare for players as well as travelling fans, and they desperately need to win both against Georgia and Albania. A tall order at the best of times – the Georgians, seeded fourth in the group, travel badly but are capable of sweeping all before them at home, while England found out how testing the Albanians can be in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Keane can, in theory, still join up with the squad if he catches a flight from Heathrow later today. It is unlikely. His father, Robert, was buried yesterday and the 22-year-old striker, although apparently considering making the journey, may be advised to try and ensure he is available for Tirana on Wednesday.

According to both officials and players, Kerr, though a novice at this level, seems ready for the challenge. "It is a daunting task for Brian expecting him to win both games but such is the determination and the commitment of the man that this is the target he will be aiming for," said Milo Corcoran, the President of the Football Association of Ireland.

"Sure, it is a huge task to qualify, but considering the quality of the opposition in our group there is no reason to believe that we cannot make a great attempt at winning all our remaining matches and thereby reaching the holy grail in Portugal."

Still, Kerr, if he chose, would not lack mitigation. It was a theme picked up by Andy O'Brien, of Newcastle United, who said: "There is a lot of travelling and we could make excuses but we have a job to do and we are determined to do it." Judging by the crate-loads of equipment the Irish have brought with them they will not be short on preparation and O'Brien, 23, said of Kerr: "He does it his way. He is a strong character on the training ground. Obviously, we got a good result against Scotland and hopefully we will build on that and continue from there.'

The central defender's own international rewards have been limited. His six caps include only a few minutes of competitive football and the emergence of John O'Shea has complicated matters further. "The players who have been playing have done a good job," he said, insisting that he has the patience to wait his turn – as he may have to at Newcastle with the arrival of Jonathan Woodgate. "I am determined to stake a claim, both internationally and at club level," he added. Such determination will be needed in the days ahead.