Kevin Kilbane, The Man in The Mask

Wigan Athletic midfield man Kevin Kilbane suffered a fractured cheekbone in Latics game last Saturday against Hull City and was expected to be sidelined for roughly 6 weeks but the player has other thoughts on this

Republic of Ireland international Kilbane could head into their World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Saturday wearing a protective mask following surgery to repair his cheek last Sunday.

Kilbane reported for international duty and has become a legend in the eyes of Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni and Kilbane says he is ready to play against the Georgians.

Trapattoni was asked by reporters if Kilbane was set to play on Saturday he replied:

'Maybe. Tomorrow, he will go with our doctor."

'He has told me, 'I am okay, I am ready like this', but maybe it is better if he has a little bit of protection.'

'But what is important is his mentality. He said to me yesterday, 'I want to be in the team, I want to play', and that is a big, big example to all the Ireland players because that is a very important mentality."

'With that mentality, I am confident we will go forward."

'Tomorrow, he will have another check, but I am not worried, I am sure he can play.'

Good lad Killer

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