It has been confirmed that Dimitar Berbatov will miss two weeks and won't be back for the Ireland match as his Manchester United teammate John O'Shea quipped.

O'Shea told a Republic of Ireland teammate that Berbatov 'might make a late appearance' but a Bulgarian official has said he will be no chance to take his place on the pitch.

"Berbatov's leg has been immobilised, it will take him 10 to 14 days to recover," Stanimir Stoilov stated.

"After that, he will start light training sessions. He can fly to Dublin to watch the match if the United management lets him go. Our national team doctor has received all of Berbatov's medical tests and x-rays. Hardly anybody questions his injury."