Mick McCarthy will give Shane Duffy as much time as possible to prove his fitness for international action.

The Republic of Ireland boss has not ruled Duffy out of Euro 2020 qualifiers in Georgia and Switzerland over the next nine days.

He has thanked Albion for their co-operation in trying to get the key centre-back fit for action.

Duffy limped out of his club’s Carabao Cup tie with Aston Villa 12 days ago with a calf strain but has made better progress than expected in his recovery.

McCarthy will not make any final decision on the travelling party until he gets medical updates on Duffy and striker David McGoldrick, who is in a similar situation to the Seagulls defender.

The Republic boss said last night: “Our medical team are in constant touch with the two clubs and monitoring the treatment programmes and progress for both Shane and David.

“We will give both of them as much time as we can before making that decision.

“Both Brighton and Sheffield United are doing everything they can to get them fit for us and I would like to thank them for their co-operation.”

Albion striker Aaron Connolly joined up with the senior squad at their hotel last night and will train at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown this afternoon.

The Irish leave for Tbilisi on Thursday and play Georgia on Saturday.